"Chinese Events that Influenced Literature Timeline"

By HaileyFound
  • 1200 BCE

    c. 1400-1100

    The earliest evidence of Chinese writing is found on Shang oracle bones.
  • 1200 BCE

    c. 1000-600

    Earliest known Chinese poems composed.
  • 800 BCE

    551-479

    Confucius teaches about ethical values such as honesty, loyalty, and respect for elders; his disciples later record his teachings in Analects.
  • 800 BCE

    c. 500 B.C

    The Shih Ching (Book of Odes), the first anthology of Chinese poetry, is compiled.
  • 400 BCE

    c. 85 B.C.

    Ssu-ma Ch'ien writes Records of the Historian, a history of China through Wu Ti's reign.
  • 1 CE

    A.D. 54

    Pan Ku writes History of the Former Han Dynasty.
  • 1 CE

    c. A.D. 105

    The Chinese invented paper.
  • 400

    c. A.D. 690

    Poetry writing is included in the civil service examination.
  • 400

    A.D. 699

    Birth of Wang Wei, painter and poet.
  • 400

    A.D. 701

    Birth of Li Po.
  • 400

    A.D. 712

    Birth of Tu Fu.
  • 800

    A.D. 868

    Diamond Sutra, the first book with a printed date, is published.