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Events in Chinese History That Influenced Literature

  • 1200 B.C.
    1400 BCE

    1200 B.C.

    Earliest evidence of Chinese writing is found on Shang Oracle bones.
  • 800'S B.C.
    551 BCE

    800'S B.C.

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

    800'S B.C.

    Lao-tzu, legendary founder of Taoism develops teachings of Tao Te Ching.
  • 800'S B.C.
    500 BCE

    800'S B.C.

    The Shih Ching (book of Odes) , the first anthology of Chinese poetry, is compiled.
  • 400'S B.C.
    330 BCE

    400'S B.C.

    Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu writes the Chuang Tzu.
  • 400'S B.C.
    85 BCE

    400'S B.C.

    Ssu-ma Chi'en writes 'Records of the historian' a history of China through Wu Ti's reign.
  • A.D. 1
    54

    A.D. 1

    Pan Ku writes 'History of the former han dynasty'.
  • A.D. 1
    100

    A.D. 1

    The first chinese dictionary is compiled.
  • A.D. 1
    106

    A.D. 1

    Pan Chao -- a scholarly widow, sister of Pan Ku and imperial historian after his death -- writes Lessons for women.'
  • 365

    A.D. 1

    Birth of Tao Ch'ien. Important early lyric poet.
  • 690

    A.D. 400

    Poetry writing is included in the civil service examination.
  • A.D. 400
    699

    A.D. 400

    Birth of Wang wei, painter and poet
  • A.D. 800
    868

    A.D. 800

    Diamond Sutra, the first book with a printed date, is published.
  • A.D. 800
    900

    A.D. 800

    song lyrics, or Tz'u, sung by women entertainers become a major poetic form; Li Ch'ing-Chao masters the genre.
  • 1000

    1200 B.C.

    Earliest known Chinese poems composed