China 1

Ancient China Timeline

  • Fall of Zhou Dynasty
    256

    Fall of Zhou Dynasty

    As their government slowly started losing control of their subjects, the Zhou dynasty slowly but surely began to lose power.
  • Period: 256 to Jan 1, 1046

    Zhou Dynasty

    The Zhou Dynasty was the longest in Chinese history,
  • Development of Iron
    500

    Development of Iron

  • Confucius is born
    551

    Confucius is born

    ( 551 - 479 B.C.E.) Confucius was one of the most influential philosophers to be born during the Zhou Dynasty. His teachings are still relavent today in Confucianism.
  • Lao Tzu is born
    Jan 1, 604

    Lao Tzu is born

    (604 - 531 B.C.E.) A Chinese philosopher and the founder of Daoism (Taoism).
  • Eastern Zhou is established
    Jan 1, 771

    Eastern Zhou is established

    After 'barbarians' attacked the capital of Western Zhou, a new capital was formed in what is modern day Luoyang. The establishment of Eastern Zhou marks something of a decline in the Zhou Dynasty.
  • Fall of Shang Dynasty
    Jan 1, 1046

    Fall of Shang Dynasty

    The Shang Dynasty fell when it was taken over by the Zhou state. Similar to the Xia Dynasty, it mainly fell due to an awful emperor, Di Xin, or the Mad King Zhou. He was extremely corrupt. It is said that he made an artificial pond of wine and kept a small island in the middle of it that always had roasted meat hanging from the trees. He and the Shang Dynasty met their ends at the battle of Muye where Di Xin burned to death in his palace.
  • Zhou Dynasty Begins
    Jan 1, 1046

    Zhou Dynasty Begins

    (1046 B.C.E.) Started with King Wu of Zhou, who with his ally Jiang Ziya, took over Shang China, thusly starting the Zhou Dynasty.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1046 to

    Shang Dynasty

    The first dynasty with archaeological and documentary evidence.
  • Western Zhou is Established
    Mar 1, 1046

    Western Zhou is Established

    The first half of the Zhou Dynasty took place in Western Zhou, which was located around the Wei River Valley, and then spread from there.
  • Slaves Revolt
    Sep 30, 1046

    Slaves Revolt

    Due to unimaginable cruelty suffered under Di Xin's rule, the peasants and slaves revolted and joined the Chou/Zhou people of Western China in an attempt to overthrow the king. This led to the Battle of Muye
  • Battle of Muye
    Dec 31, 1047

    Battle of Muye

    (1047- 1046 B.C.E) This battle led to the end of the Shang Dynasty and beginning of the Zhou Dynasty.
  • Spoke-Wheeled Chariots were made
    Jan 1, 1200

    Spoke-Wheeled Chariots were made

    This development shows the importance of Bronze during the Shang dynasty, as it was used for a variety of things, including these chariots.
  • First use of Oracle Bones
    Sep 29, 1200

    First use of Oracle Bones

    (Around 1200 to 1050 B.C.E.) Oracle Bones were made of either animal bones or turtle shells, and were a form of divination in Ancient China.
  • Xia Dynasty falls

    Xia Dynasty falls

    (1600 BCE) The fall of the Xia Dynasty is blamed on the last Xia emperor, Jie (Pictured) . Jie is said to have fallen in love with a beautiful woman and proceeded to become something of a tyrant.
  • Period: to

    Xia Dynasty

    The first ancient Chinese Dynasty
  • Shang Dynasty Begins

    Shang Dynasty Begins

    (1600 B.C.E )
    t's disputed as to when exactly the Shang Dynasty began, however many archaeologists agree that 1600 B.C.E. is a good general date.
  • Period: to Jan 1, 1000

    "The Golden Age"

    This is an era of little violence in Zhou China, characterized by peace and stability.
  • Period: to 221

    Qin Dynasty

    The first of the Imperial Dynasties. Came to power after extinguishing the Zhou Dynasty.
  • Xia Dynasty is Established

    Xia Dynasty is Established

    (2070 B.C.E.)
    According to the Xia–Shang–Zhou Chronology Project, The Xia dynasty began in 2070 B.C.E in what is now the Western Henan province and the southern Shanxi Province.