Chinese History by Ayanna Angeletta

  • Shang dynasty
    1700 BCE

    Shang dynasty

    This was the first dynasty where there was a historical record and archaeological evidence. Archaeological objects found hieroglyphic writing. The hieroglyphic writing system later evolved into Chinese characters.
  • Song dynasty
    960 BCE

    Song dynasty

    This dynasty was weaker than the Tang Dynasty. The imperial government made technical advances. During the Tang Dynasty, the movable type was invented and made writing simple and convenient.
  • Book of Odes
    500 BCE

    Book of Odes

    The earliest known major literary work found in China was the Book of Odes. This included many poems called the Book of Odes.
  • Han dynasty
    206 BCE

    Han dynasty

    The Han Dynasty lasted for 400 years. Historical Records examined major events that occurred before the Shang Dynasty.
  • Chinese dictionary
    100

    Chinese dictionary

    The first Chinese dictionary was created by Xu Shen. The dictionary was created to learn the Chinese characters and symbols for writing, and reading.
  • Poetry included in the Civil Service Examination
    690

    Poetry included in the Civil Service Examination

    Including poetry meant that poetry was very important in China. Poetry writing was included in the civil service examination because the exam was used to test if one knew culture and current literature.
  • Diamond Sutra published
    868

    Diamond Sutra published

    Diamond Sutra was the first book published in China that had a printed date. This book was written about Zen Buddhism.
  • Tz'u
    900

    Tz'u

    Tz'u were song lyrics sung by women in China. This was a form of entertainment. This was from the Warring States Period.