Ancient China

Possible start of Xia Dynasty

2100 BCE

Possible start of Xia Dynasty, Chinas first dynasty - ending in 1600 B.C.E

Start of Zhou Dynasty

1766 BCE

Start of Zhou Dynasty, Chinas longest - ruling dynasty - ending in 221 B.C.E

Start of Shang Dynasty

1122 BCE

Start of Shang Dynasty, during which a system of writing emerged and large cities were built - ending in 221 B.C.E

Siddhartha Gautama is born

563 BCE

Siddhartha Gautama (later known as Buddha) is born, his teachings will form the basis of Buddhism

Chinese philosopher

551 BCE

Chinese philosopher, teacher and author Confucius born

Start of Warring

481 BCE

Start of Warring States period lasting around 260 years in which there will be almost constant conflict between different Chinese states fighting for power and control