Chinese Events that Influenced Literature Timeline

By Alex Lobue
  • First Evidence of Writing
    1400 BCE

    First Evidence of Writing

    During 1400-1100 B.C., the first evidence of Chinese writing was found on oracle bones. Oracle bones were the shoulder blades of oxen.
  • Confucius Teachings
    551 BCE

    Confucius Teachings

    Confucius teaches about ethical values such as honesty, loyalty, and respects for elders. His disciples record his teachings in Analects
  • First Anthology of Chinese poetry
    500 BCE

    First Anthology of Chinese poetry

    In 500 B.C. the Shih Ching, also the first anthology of Chinese poetry, is completed. An anthology is a collection of poems or other pieces of writing.
  • Ssu-ma Ch'ien
    85 BCE

    Ssu-ma Ch'ien

    Ssu-ma Ch'ien writes Records of the Historian. Records of the Historian is about a history of China through Wu Ti's reign.
  • First Chinese Dictionary
    100

    First Chinese Dictionary

    In 100 A.D. the first Chinese dictionary was compiled. Shyu-Shen, a famous Chinese scholar during Han Dynasty, edited the first Chinese dictionary.
  • Birth of T'ao Ch'ien
    365

    Birth of T'ao Ch'ien

    In 365 A.D. an important early lyric poet, T'ao Ch'ien, was born. He is considered to be one of the greatest poets of the Six dynasties period.
  • Poetry Writing
    690

    Poetry Writing

    In 690 A.D. poetry writing was included in the civil service examination. A civil service examination is a nationwide competitive examination.
  • Diamond Sutra
    868

    Diamond Sutra

    In 868 A.D. Diamond Sutra was the first book with a printed date published. A copy of the Chinese version Diamond Sutra was dated back to May 11, 868.