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Period: 206 to 221
Qin Dynasty
Following the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the Qin dynasty got its name because its homelands were called "Qin". During the Qin Dynasty, remainaing members of the Eastern Zhou were subjugated so that members of the Qin Dynasty could have undisputed control over China. -
210
Burial of the Terra Cotta Army
The Mausouleum of the Terra Cotta warriors is discovered in 1974 by farmers. It is believed to date back to around 210 BC. It is a form of funerary art. The "army" was believed to help Qin Shi Huang (The self-proclaimed first emperor of China) rule in the afterlife. -
210
Completion of the Erya
The Erya is the oldest Chinese dictionary. And while its author is unknown, it is credited to the Duke of Zhou, who is believed to have compiled the book during the Han Dynasty. -
Period: 210 to
First Chinese Emperor (Shi Huangdi)
The first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was king of the Chinese State of Qin. He ruled from the unification of China in 221 until his death in 210, at the age of fifty. -
213
Period of the Burning Book Policy
During his rule, Qin Shi Huang ordered nearly all books (excluding those about astrology, agriculture, medicine, divination, and the history of the Qin state) to be burned so that his rule could not be compared to anyone elses. Scholars were often buried alive for owning forbidden books. -
Period: 221 to 476
The Warring States Period
The Warring States Period (or "The Era of Warring States") was the period of time between 476BC and the unification of China. It is also considered the second half of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. -
Period: 256 to Jan 19, 1045
Eastern Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty came after the Shang Dynasty, and was later followed by the Qin Dynasty. It lasted longer than any other dynasty in Chinese history. -
400
Connection of the Barbarian Walls to Create the Great Wall
The Great Wall was built during the 5th century BC and has been maintined up to the 16th century. It was used to protect the Northern borders of China from invading forces. Several walls have been built over time and through several dynasties. -
410
First Use of the Crossbow
The crossbow's origin is unknown, but was used in the military from the second half of the 4th century BC onward. It was described by Heron of Alexandria in his book "Belopoecia" as the forerunner to the catapult which would be invented later on. -
Period: 550 to
Spring and Autumn Period
The Spring and Autumn period refers to the period of time during the second half of the 8th century BC to the first half of the 5th century BC. The name comes from "The Spring and Autumn Annals", the chronicle of the state of Lu. (722-481 BC) -
551
Birth of Confucius
It is traditionally believed that the Chinese philosopher Confucius was born on September 28, 551BC. -
Period: Jan 19, 771 to Jan 19, 1122
Western Zhou Dynasty
The Western Zhou Dynasty was part of the Zhou Dynasty that historians have divided into East and West. The beginning year has been disputed and many different years have been proposed. -
Jan 15, 1000
The Shi Jing Book of Songs
The Shi Jing Book of Songs (also translated as the "Classic of Poetry" and "Book of Odes") is a collection of the earliest existing Chinese poetry. The collection is made up of 305 poems, including 160 folk songs, 74 minor festal songs, 31 major festal songs, and 40 hymns and eulogies. -
Period: Jan 19, 1046 to
Shang Dynasty
The Shang Dynasty, also known as the Yin Dynasty, was the second Chinese dynasty. (Following the Xia Dynasty) Members ruled in the northeastern regions of what is known as "China Proper", which is located in the Yellow River Valley. -
Jan 15, 1100
Development of the Ouija Board Game
First historical mention of something resembling a Ouija board in China. Theoretically used to communicate with spirits.
Parker Brothers later coyprights the name "Ouija", which is used to refer to nearly all "Talking Boards". -
Jan 15, 1250
Death of Lady Hao
Lady Hao, a miliraty leader and wife of Wu Dine, is thought to have died aroudn 1250BCE, her tomb was discovered in 1976 -
Period: to
Xia Dynasty
The Xia Dynasty is the first Chinese dynasty to be described in its ancient historical records. And while it is documented in Chinese history, because there was no textual records, there is no way to prove the Xia even existed. -
Domestication of the Buffalo
Modern historians believe that buffaloes were first tamed around or before 2500 BC. They were often used for farming. Buffaloes were domesticated much later than horses, cattle, sheep, and other animals. -
Battle of Banquan
The Battle of Banquan was the first battle in Chinese history. It was fought by Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor, and Yandi, the Flame Emperor. -
Date of the Oldest Silk Found in China
The oldest Chinese silk was found in the Henan province, and is believed to date to around 3630BC, and is from the Chinese Neolithic Period.
