Events in Chinese History that Influenced Literature

By lamuerte0928@gmail.com
  • Period: 1400 BCE to 1100 BCE

    Evidence of Chinese Writing Found (1400-1100 B.C.)

    Earliest evidence of Chinese writing is found on Shang oracle bones
  • Period: 1000 BCE to 600 BCE

    Chinese Poems (1000-600 B.C.)

    Earliest known Chinese poems composed.
  • Period: 551 BCE to 479 BCE

    Confucius teaches ethical values (551-479 B.C.)

    Confucius teaches about ethical values such as honesty, loyalty, and respect for elders; his disciples later record his teachings in Analects.
  • Lao-tzu (500s B.C.)
    500 BCE

    Lao-tzu (500s B.C.)

    Lao-tzu, legendary founder of Taoism, develops teachings of Tao Te Ching.
  • The Shih Ching (500 B.C.)
    500 BCE

    The Shih Ching (500 B.C.)

    The Shih Ching (Book of the Odes), the first anthology of Chinese poetry, is compiled.
  • Chuang Tzu Written (330 B.C.)
    330 BCE

    Chuang Tzu Written (330 B.C.)

    Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu writes the Chuang Tzu.
  • Records of the Historian (85 B.C.)
    85 BCE

    Records of the Historian (85 B.C.)

    Ssu-ma Ch'ien writes Records of the Historian, a history of China through Wu Ti's reign.
  • History of the Former Han Dynasty (54 A.D.)
    54

    History of the Former Han Dynasty (54 A.D.)

    Pan Ku writes History of the Former Han Dynasty.
  • Chinese Dictionary (100 A.D.)
    100

    Chinese Dictionary (100 A.D.)

    The first Chinese dictionary is compiled.
  • Lessons for Women (106 A.D.)
    106

    Lessons for Women (106 A.D.)

    Pan Chao-
    a scholarly widow, sister of Pan Ku and imperial historian after his death-
    writes Lessons for Women.
  • Birth of T'ao Ch'ien (365 A.D.)
    365

    Birth of T'ao Ch'ien (365 A.D.)

    Birth of T'ao Ch'ien, important early lyric poet.
  • Poetry Writing (690 A.D.)
    690

    Poetry Writing (690 A.D.)

    Poetry writing is included in the civil service examination.
  • Birth of Wang Wei (699 A.D.)
    698

    Birth of Wang Wei (699 A.D.)

    Birth of Wang Wei, painter and poet.
  • Li Po (701 A.D.)
    701

    Li Po (701 A.D.)

    Birth of Li Po.
  • Tu Fu (712 A.D.)
    712

    Tu Fu (712 A.D.)

    Birth of Tu Fu.
  • Diamond Sutra (868 A.D.)
    868

    Diamond Sutra (868 A.D.)

    Diamond Sutra, the first book with a printed date, is published.
  • Period: 900 to 1200

    Tz'u (900-1200 A.D.)

    Song lyrics, or tz'u, sung by women entertainers become a major poetic form, Li Ch'ing-chao masters the genre.