Ancient Chinese Empires

  • Xia Dynasty
    2100 BCE

    Xia Dynasty

    ca. 2100-1600 BCE The Xia Dynasty was the first government to settle in China. One of the rulers of the Xia Dynasty named Huang-ti is credited for inventing musical instruments. He also was credited for the development of medicine and agriculture.
  • Zhou Dynasty
    1046 BCE

    Zhou Dynasty

    ca. 1046-256 BCE During the Zhou Dynasty a ruler named Sun Tzu wrote the Art of War, a famous book about war. The Zhou Dynasty moved from worshipping a supreme god to worshipping heaven. The Zhou believed that a flood or drought was a sign that Heaven was unhappy with the current ruler.
  • Li Bai
    701 BCE

    Li Bai

    Li Bai was a poet.As Li Bai grew up he developed his sword fighting skills. One of Li Bai's most famous poems is "Drinking Alone by Moonlight".
  • Wu Zetian
    624 BCE

    Wu Zetian

    Wu Zetian was born into a rich family. She was the only female emperor in the history of China. Wu learned to play music, write poetry, and speak well in public.
  • Tang Dynasty
    618 BCE

    Tang Dynasty

    618-906 CE Buddhism became the dominant belief during the golden age of Tang. Tang era was a golden age for literature and art.Li Yuan also was the founder of the Tang Dynasty
  • Lao Tzu
    605 BCE

    Lao Tzu

    He was the author of a book called Tao Te Ching, The Way of Life. There were three people named Lao Tzu. He was credited as the founder of Taoism.
  • Confucius
    551 BCE

    Confucius

    The name Confucius translates to Master Kong.He grew up a poor boy but attained a good education. His mother died when he was 23
  • Qin Shi Huang
    259 BCE

    Qin Shi Huang

    Qin Shi Huang had scientists work on finding an elixir of immortality that would enable him to never die. Some documents showed that he was the son of a merchant and not the son of the King of Qin.
  • Qin Dynasty
    221 BCE

    Qin Dynasty

    221-206 BCE The name "China" is derived from the name Qin. Independent states system was stopped when Qin dynasty came to power. Qin Dynasty is infamous for burning of books and burying of scholars event.
  • Han Dynasty
    206 BCE

    Han Dynasty

    206 BCE-220 CE Han dynasty was the longest ruling imperial dynasty of China.Emperor Wu was the longest ruling emperor of the Han dynasty. He ruled for over 53 years. The famous Silk Road was established during the Han dynasty.