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The earliest evidence of Chinese writing is found on Shang oracle bones.
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Earliest known Chinese poems composed.
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Confucius teaches about ethical values such as honesty, loyalty, and respect for elders; his disciples later record his teachings in Analects.
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The Shih Ching (Book of Odes), the first anthology of Chinese poetry, is compiled.
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Ssu-ma Ch'ien writes Records of the Historian, a history of China through Wu Ti's reign.
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Pan Ku writes History of the Former Han Dynasty.
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The Chinese invented paper.
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Poetry writing is included in the civil service examination.
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Birth of Wang Wei, painter and poet.
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Birth of Li Po.
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Birth of Tu Fu.
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Diamond Sutra, the first book with a printed date, is published.