Ancient Timeline

By Jordan30
  • 1600 BCE

    King Jie of the Xia Dynasty dies, ending the dynasty

    nown to be the first dynasty in Ancient China, some historians debate the origins and roots of the Xia Dynasty (pronounced ‘Sha’) (2070-1600 BC). It is claimed that the Zhou Dynasty invented the Dynasty’s existence to justify overthrowing the Shang Dynasty and normalize the effect of the displacement of a prior dynasty. The Dynasty played a significant role in Chinese history as it was the bridge between the ancient Chinese primitive civilization and the beginning of a more modernized society.
  • Period: 1600 BCE to 1100 BCE

    Shang Dynasty

    The Shang Dynasty is the earliest ruling dynasty of China to be established in recorded history, though other dynasties predated it. The Shang ruled from 1600 to 1046 B.C. and heralded the Bronze Age in China. They were known for their advances in math, astronomy, artwork and military technology.
  • Period: 1250 BCE to 1192

    Reign of Emperor Wu Ding of the Shang Dynasty1250–1192 BC

    Most of the unearthed Inscriptions on Bones or Tortoise Shells started from his ruling period. During over half a century of his governance, he flourished his empire, and largely expanded his kingdom.
    King Wu Ding had over 60 wives in his lifetime, three of whom were superior to others, and involved in politics actively.
    But his beloved Queen Fu Hao (or Fu Zi) was believed his favorite, who was also the first female marshal in Chinese history with extraordinary military achievements.
  • 1100 BCE

    Zhou Dynasty begins in China

    The beginning date of the Zhou has long been debated. Traditionally, it has been given as 1122 BCE, and that date has been successively revised as scholars have uncovered more archaeological evidence. The most recent findings have placed the outright start of the dynasty at 1046 BCE. The dynasty ended in 256 BCE.
  • 1066 BCE

    The crossbow is used for the first time in battle

    The crossbow was introduced into Chinese warfare during the Warring States period (481-221 BCE). Developing over the centuries into a more powerful and accurate weapon, the crossbow also came in versions light enough to be fired with one hand, some could fire multiple arrows, and there evolved a heavier artillery model which could be mounted on a rotating and movable base.
  • Period: 551 BCE to 479 BCE

    Life of Confucius

    Confucius, also known as Kong Qiu or K’ung Fu-tzu, was a Chinese philosopher, teacher and political figure. His teachings, preserved in the Analects, focused on creating ethical models of family and public interaction and setting educational standards. After his death, Confucius became the official imperial philosophy of China, which was extremely influential during the Han, Tang and Song dynasties.
  • 496 BCE

    Sun Tzu, the author of the Art of War is born

    Sun Tzu (l. c. 500 BCE) was a Chinese military strategist and general best known as the author of the work The Art of War, a treatise on military strategy (also known as The Thirteen Chapters). He was associated (formally or as an inspiration) with The School of the Military, one of the philosophical systems of the Hundred Schools of Thought of the Spring and Autumn Period (c. 772-476 BCE), which advocated military preparedness in maintaining peace and social order.
  • Period: 476 BCE to 221 BCE

    Warring States Period

    The Warring States period (481/403 BCE - 221 BCE) describes the three centuries when various rival Chinese states battled viciously for territorial advantage and dominance. Ultimately the Qin state was victorious and established the first unified Chinese state. Besides incessant warfare, and probably because of it, the period saw significant developments in society, commerce, agriculture, philosophy, and the arts, setting the foundations for the subsequent flourishing of Imperial China
  • Period: 256 BCE to 195 BCE

    Reign of Liu Bang

    Liu Bang (256–195 BC), also called Emperor Gaozu when he ruled, was the first emperor of the Han Dynasty from 202 BC till his death. Rising from a humble peasant background, he become an outstanding politician, strategist, and finally emperor. He made great contributions to the development of the Han people and its culture.
  • Period: 221 BCE to 206 BCE

    Qin Dynasty

    The Qin Dynasty established the first empire in China, starting with efforts in 230 B.C., during which the Qin leaders engulfed six Zhou Dynasty states. The empire existed only briefly from 221 to 206 B.C., but the Qin Dynasty had a lasting cultural impact on the dynasties that followed.
  • Period: 210 BCE to 209 BCE

    The Terracotta Army is buried

    A terra-cotta army of more than 8,000 life-size soldiers guarded the burial site of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di. The Terra-Cotta Warriors were only discovered in 1974.
  • Period: 202 BCE to 220 BCE

    Han Dynasty

    The Han Dynasty ruled China from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D. and was the second imperial dynasty of China. Though tainted by deadly dramas within the royal court, it is also known for its promotion of Confucianism as the state religion and opening the Silk Road trade route to Europe, permanently altering the course of Chinese history. Han Dynasty art and inventions like paper still influence the world today.
  • 141 BCE

    Reign of Wudi

    Wudi, Wade-Giles romanizationWu-ti, original name Liu Che, (born 156 BC—died March 29, 87 BC), posthumous name (shi) of the autocratic Chinese emperor (141–87 BC) who vastly increased the authority of the Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220) and extended Chinese influence abroad. He made Confucianism the state religion of China.
  • Period: 45 BCE to 23 BCE

    Reign of Emperor Wang Mang

    Wang Mang was born into a distinguished Chinese family. Three years earlier, his father’s half sister Wang Zhengjun had become the empress with the accession of the Yuandi emperor. Upon the death of her husband, she was given the traditional title of empress dowager, which meant added prestige and influence for herself and her clan.
  • 200

    Invention of paper

    Paper was first made in Lei-Yang, China by Ts'ai Lun, a Chinese court official. In all likelihood, Ts'ai mixed mulberry bark, hemp and rags with water, mashed it into pulp, pressed out the liquid and hung the thin mat to dry in the sun.