East Asian Dynasty Timeline

  • Xia Dynasty ( 2200-1700)
    2200 BCE

    Xia Dynasty ( 2200-1700)

    It's said to be the first to irrigate, produce cast bronze, and build a strong army.
  • Shang Dynasty ( 1766-1080)
    1766 BCE

    Shang Dynasty ( 1766-1080)

    Bronze work, military technology, including horse-drawn chariots, writing, a calendar, and religion.
  • Zhou Dynasty ( 1045-221)
    1045 BCE

    Zhou Dynasty ( 1045-221)

    It's the longest reigning dynasty in Chinese history. Iron was introduced in weaponry.
  • Qin Dynasty ( 221-206)
    221 BCE

    Qin Dynasty ( 221-206)

    It unified China, creating the first dynasty ruled by the first emperor.
  • Han Dynasty ( 206-221)
    206 BCE

    Han Dynasty ( 206-221)

    It was the longest reigning imperial dynasty of China.
  • Silla Dynasty ( 57-935)
    57 BCE

    Silla Dynasty ( 57-935)

    Has forged an alliance with T'ang China and had conquered the kingdom of Paekche.
  • Goguryeo Dynasty ( 37-668)
    37 BCE

    Goguryeo Dynasty ( 37-668)

    A royal hereditary system has been established.
  • Baekje Dynasty ( 18-660)
    18 BCE

    Baekje Dynasty ( 18-660)

    Its skill was instrumental in the dissemination of Buddhism throughout East Asia and continental culture to Japan.
  • Sui Dynasty ( 581-618)
    581

    Sui Dynasty ( 581-618)

    They built granaries which provided them with a stable source of cheap food during famine years.
  • Tang Dynasty ( 618-907)
    Jan 1, 618

    Tang Dynasty ( 618-907)

    The first comprehensive criminal code in China was created.
  • Parhae Dynasty ( 698-926)
    698

    Parhae Dynasty ( 698-926)

    They grew powerful and wealthy.
  • Nara and Heian ( 710-1192)
    Jan 1, 710

    Nara and Heian ( 710-1192)

    The Heian period is known for its cultural achievements.
  • Goryeo Dynasty ( 918-1392)
    918

    Goryeo Dynasty ( 918-1392)

    Elegant wooden structures, literary histories, cast-metal movable type, and the production of gunpowder.
  • Song Dynasty ( 960-1279)
    Jan 1, 960

    Song Dynasty ( 960-1279)

    It was the first government in the world to issue banknotes.
  • Kamakura Period ( 1192-1333)
    Jan 1, 1192

    Kamakura Period ( 1192-1333)

    They have several, government and cultural achievements.
  • Yuan Dynasty ( 1279-1368)
    Jan 1, 1279

    Yuan Dynasty ( 1279-1368)

    They unified China after a period of more than 300 years.
  • Muromachi Period ( 1338-1573)
    1338

    Muromachi Period ( 1338-1573)

    Art of all kinds.
  • Ming Dynasty ( 1368-1644)
    Jan 1, 1368

    Ming Dynasty ( 1368-1644)

    A majority of the existing Great Wall was built in the Ming era.
  • Joseon Dynasty ( 1392-1910)
    1392

    Joseon Dynasty ( 1392-1910)

    It was the last dynasty of Korea and the longest ruling Confucian dynasty.
  • Azuchi-Momoyama Period ( 1573-1603)
    1573

    Azuchi-Momoyama Period ( 1573-1603)

    They achieved control over the province of Owari.
  • Edo Period ( 1603-1868)

    Edo Period ( 1603-1868)

    To guard against external influence, they also worked to close off Japanese society from Westernizing influence.
  • Qing Dynasty ( 1644-1911)

    Qing Dynasty ( 1644-1911)

    There was stability, prosperity, and wealth during the middle period of Qing Dynasty.
  • Meiji Period ( 1868-1912)

    Meiji Period ( 1868-1912)

    Japan adopted a constitution and a parliamentary system, instituted universal education, built railroads and installed telegraph lines, and established strong army and navy forces.
  • Taisho and Early Showa Period ( 1912-1945)

    Taisho and Early Showa Period ( 1912-1945)

    Its victories over China in 1895 and Russia in 1905.