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2070 BCE
Xia Dynasty
The Xia Dynasty was the first form of government in ancient China. The first Emporer was a tribal leader who was credited with the creation of musical instruments, silk and the creation of laws and customs. Although evidence was found that this Dynasty existed, many historians believe there was no Xia Dynasty. -
1600 BCE
Shang Dynasty
The Shang Dynasty was the first official Dynasty. It was well known for its work with bronze, which was used to make cups, axes, chariots and even hairpins. It was also a place where the ancient form of writing, Oracle Bones were found. -
1027 BCE
Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty was the longest-lasting Dynasty (1027 BCE -221 BCE). Although it was the longest-lasting Dynasty it lost all influence on its people by 770 BCE. The Zhou Dynasty was separated into 3 periods, Western Zhou Dynasty, Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States period. In the time of lost power the religions, Confucianism, and Daoism sprang up. -
221 BCE
Qin Dynasty
The Qin Dynasty was one of the shortest lasting Dynasties ever but it still had a lasting impact. It was the first dynasty to unite all of China under a single ruler. -
206 BCE
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was one of the largest Chinese empires. It grew almost as large as the Roman Empire. The Han specialized in art, politics, and technology. One reason the Han was so successful was their capital was on the Silk Road and they trained their soldiers using the teachings of Confucious. -
581
Sui Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty was the first Dynasty to reunite China under one ruler after the fall of the Han Dynasty. The first ruler also brought back the Confucianism teaching when training the military. -
618
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was one of the greatest imperial dynasties because of its technological advancement. Some technology the Tang created were, gunpowder, air conditioning, gas stoves, and printing. The Tang Dynasty was also the only Chinese government to have a female leader (Wu Zetian). -
960
Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was split into two periods, the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty. After it was founded the capital city was invaded and was forced to move south. -
1368
Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty was well known for its army, with 1 million troops and the largest docking yard. The Ming Dynasty capital city was known for its literature, art, and blue and white vases. -
Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty in China. The interesting thing about it was it was founded by non-Chinese tribes from Manchuria. The last dynasty eventually fell after a rebellion and China became a communist country.