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Ancient China

By 8338cameron
  • Period: 2205 BCE to 1575 BCE

    Xia

    The first dynasty in China, very little is known about the Xia.
  • Period: 1570 BCE to 1045 BCE

    Shang

    The Shang ruled much of the area along the Yellow River. Their last capitol city was the great city of Yin.
  • Period: 221 BCE to 206 BCE

    Qin

    The beginning of the Chinese Empire. Much was accomplished including the beginning of the Great Wall; standards were set for weights, measures, and money; many roads and canals were built; and a single type of writing was used throughout the country.
  • Period: 221 BCE to 256 BCE

    Zhou

    The longest ruling dynasty in the history of China, the Zhou first used the Mandate of Heaven to justify their rule. Much of the land was ruled by feudal lords who were relatives of the Zhou family.
  • Period: 206 BCE to 220 BCE

    Han

    The Han dynasty established the civil service to create a strong and organized government. Paper and porcelain were also invented during this time. The Han also embraced Confucianism, poetry, and literature.
  • Period: 222 to 581

    Six Dynasties

    A period of time where China was not united under a single leader.
  • Period: 589 to 618

    Sui

    The Sui unite China again under one rule. They also expanded the Great Wall and built the Grand Canal.
  • Period: 618 to 907

    Tang

    A period of peace and prosperity, the Tang rule is sometimes known as the Golden Age of Ancient China. Arts, literature, and technology all flourish.The capital city Chang'an becomes the world's largest city.
  • Period: 907 to 960

    Five Dynasties

    A peasant rebellion takes down the Tang dynasty and ushers in a period of division.
  • Period: 960 to 1275

    Song

    Reunited under the Song, China becomes a world leader in science and inventions including inventions such as gunpowder and the compass.
  • Period: 1279 to 1368

    Yuan

    After the Mongols defeated the Song in a long war, Kublai Khan, a Mongol leader, established the Yuan dynasty.
  • Period: 1368 to

    Ming

    The last of the great Chinese dynasties, the Ming finished the Great Wall and built the Forbidden City, an enormous palace for the Emperor. The Ming came into power by overthrowing the rule of the Mongols.