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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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It is traditionally believed that the Chinese philosopher Confucius was born on September 28, 551BC.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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". -
Lady Hao, a miliraty leader and wife of Wu Dine, is thought to have died aroudn 1250BCE, her tomb was discovered in 1976
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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.
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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.
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The Battle of Banquan was the first battle in Chinese history. It was fought by Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor, and Yandi, the Flame Emperor.
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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.
