Ancient China Timeline by Andrik Zimpelmann

Shang Dynasty 1700-1122 BCE

andrikzimpelmann — 2024-03-05 18:17:31 UTC

The Shang family is known for their use of bronze, chopsticks, jade, silk, spices, oracle bones, and a system of writing.

The Shang family kingship was different than other dynasty's/kingdoms, it went from brother to brother or brother to nephew.

Zhou Dynasty: 1045-256 BCE

andrikzimpelmann — 2024-03-05 18:17:47 UTC

The Zhou family is mainly known for building roads and canals, connecting the country. They were also interested in astronomy, and literature.

Warring States Period: 700-221 BCE

andrikzimpelmann — 2024-03-05 18:19:17 UTC

In this period, there were many Chinese states, each with their own military forces, with many skilled generals.

After many years of war, most of the smaller states had been conquered, and only six states remained.

Legalism was developed

Confucianism was founded around 500 BCE by Confucious. People who followed Confucianism believed that the government needed to be strong and have control over everything with strict rules and harsh punishments.

Confucianism and Daoism Developed: 500 BCE

andrikzimpelmann — 2024-03-05 18:19:40 UTC

Legalism Developed: 250 BCE

andrikzimpelmann — 2024-03-05 18:20:07 UTC

Legalists believe that the ruling class is more important than the common person, they want a strong government with absolute power with harsh punishment.

Qin Dynasty: 221-210 BCE

andrikzimpelmann — 2024-03-05 18:20:26 UTC

Han Dynasty: 206 BCE-220 CE

andrikzimpelmann — 2024-03-05 18:20:39 UTC