Chinese Events that Influenced Literature Timeline

  • Earliest Known Chinese Poems are Composed
    1000 BCE

    Earliest Known Chinese Poems are Composed

    The earliest known Chinese poems are thought to have been created about 1000 B.C.. Poetry became a huge part of Chinese culture throughout the next centuries.
  • Confucius' Teachings are Recorded in The Analects
    550 BCE

    Confucius' Teachings are Recorded in The Analects

    Confucius taught about ethical values, such as honesty, loyalty, and respect for others. His teachings were not recorded until after his death, when his disciples wrote them in The Analects. His teachings are the basis for Confucianism, of which the key concepts are humanity, gentlemen, and ritual.
  • Lao-Tzu Develops Teachings of Tao Te Ching
    500 BCE

    Lao-Tzu Develops Teachings of Tao Te Ching

    Lao-Tzu, founder of Taoism, wrote the Tao Te Ching to express his philosophy. Much of Lao-Tzu's life is a mystery, including whether or not he even existed. His writings are the basis of Taoist thought and have had a lasting influence on the world. The teachings of Taoism are an important part of Chinese culture and history.
  • The Shih Ching (Book of Odes) is Compiled
    500 BCE

    The Shih Ching (Book of Odes) is Compiled

    The Book of Odes was the first anthology of Chinese poetry compiled. Poetry was extremely popular in ancient China and became a huge part of the culture.
  • The Chuang Tzu is Written
    330 BCE

    The Chuang Tzu is Written

    Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu wrote the Chuang Tzu. He believed all living things were equal and his writings strongly reflected that idea.
  • Records of the Historian is Written
    85 BCE

    Records of the Historian is Written

    Ssu-ma Ch'ien wrote Records of the Historian to record China's history during Wu Ti's reign. This set the stage for the documentation of history in China.
  • The First Chinese Dictionary is Compiled
    100

    The First Chinese Dictionary is Compiled

    The first dictionary in Chinese history was compiled in A.D. 100 by Shyu-Shen. The author's son then presented the dictionary to the emperor 21 years later.
  • Diamond Sutra is Published
    May 11, 868

    Diamond Sutra is Published

    Diamond Sutra was the first Chinese book with a printed date. It was a Buddhist book that emphasized the practice of non-abiding and non-attachment.