Xiao Jia

Xiao Jia, known in Chinese as 小甲 and with the personal name Zi Gao (子高), was a notable figure in the Shang dynasty of ancient China. He is recognized as the seventh king of the Shang dynasty, as recorded by the esteemed historian Sima Qian in the Records of the Grand Historian. Xiao Jia ascended to the throne following his father, Tai Geng (太庚), and established his capital in Bo (亳) during the year of Dingsi (丁巳).

His reign, though brief, lasted for four years, during which he was honored with the posthumous name Xiao Jia. Historical records indicate that he was succeeded by his brother, Yong Ji (雍己), marking a continuation of the royal lineage.

Interestingly, alternative inscriptions found on oracle bones at Yinxu suggest a different narrative, proposing that Xiao Jia was actually the sixth Shang king, having succeeded his brother Da Geng (大庚). This version of history also attributes to him the same posthumous name, Xiao Jia, and notes that he was succeeded by his nephew, Da Wu (大戊).