-
1400 BCE
1200 B.C.
Earliest evidence of Chinese writing is found on Shang Oracle bones. -
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. -
500 BCE
800'S B.C.
Lao-tzu, legendary founder of Taoism develops teachings of Tao Te Ching. -
500 BCE
800'S B.C.
The Shih Ching (book of Odes) , the first anthology of Chinese poetry, is compiled. -
330 BCE
400'S B.C.
Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu writes the Chuang Tzu. -
85 BCE
400'S B.C.
Ssu-ma Chi'en writes 'Records of the historian' a history of China through Wu Ti's reign. -
54
A.D. 1
Pan Ku writes 'History of the former han dynasty'. -
100
A.D. 1
The first chinese dictionary is compiled. -
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. -
699
A.D. 400
Birth of Wang wei, painter and poet -
868
A.D. 800
Diamond Sutra, the first book with a printed date, is published. -
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
