Timeline by Kairi Ege

Shang Dynasty (1750-1045 B.C.)

egekairi — 2025-09-10 15:42:26 UTC

Type of government: The Shang Dynasty was a monarchy governed by a series of kings, 29 or 30 in total, over the course of almost 600 years.
Social Classes: Kings, (Head of political and religious life) Nobles, (Advisors to King, Goverment and religious officials, and land lords) Warriors leaders, (From the far regions) Artisans, (Pottery, clothes, tools, weapons) Farmers, (Worked long hours, little pay, over taxed) and Slaves (lowest rank, important labor resource).
Religion & Culture: The Chinese believed in supernatural forces which helped rulers in worldly affairs. Rulers used oracle bones to talk to the gods. remains of human sacrifice are evidence that there were human efforts to win the gods favor. The Chinese believed to treat spirits well, because the could bring bad or good fortune to the family members. Shang are best remembered for their mastery of bronze casting.
The Fall: The Shang Dynasty ended in 1050 BCE, when the Zhou invaded the capital and successfully toppled the Dynasty. They did it because they believed that the Shang Dynasty King was evil and that heaven no longer wanted him. They blamed it on the king for the downfall saying he drank too much, had bad behavior, and had a indulgent lifestyle.

Link to our sources: https://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/the_shang_dynasty_1600_to_1050_bce

Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 BCE)

egekairi — 2025-09-10 15:42:40 UTC

The Rise) In 1046 BCE, the Shang Dynasty was overthrown at the Battle of Muye, and the Zhou Dynasty was created.

Mandate of Heaven) This idea was that there could only be one ruler of China at a time, and that ruler needed to get a blessing from the gods. This was used to justify their overthrow of the Shang Dynasty.

The Dynastic Cycle) It's the idea that continuously this era goes from restoring order, to losing control, and then displeasing heaven and resulting in disasters and then repeating.

Inventions / Innovations) The end of this age called for new innovative political and social models. During this time, many things were created such as new tools and weapons, as well as the development of irrigation and flood control systems for agriculture.

The Fall) A civil war broke out, calling for a new group to take power and help with all the rough things soon starting the Qin Dynasty.

Qin Dynasty

egekairi — 2025-09-10 15:42:52 UTC

The Rise: At the end of the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). The state of Qin conquered all other states and established the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE).
Significant Leaders: The first Emperor of Qin was Qin Shihuangdi (259-210 BCE).
Great Architectural Works: He ordered many construction projects including the network of roads, and canals throughout the country. The first Great Wall was also created during this period too. They also discovered thousands of life-size terracotta warriors that were part of the vast army guarding the tomb of Qin Shihuangdi.
- Great Wall: the first Great Wall was built during Qin's Shihuangdi reigon which was (259-210 BCE). This was made to protect the borders from nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe.
- Terracotta Army: The Terracotta Army was a collection of terracota scluptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210-209 BCE with the purpose of protecting him in the afterlife. It was made in the 200's BCE.
The Fall: Following the death of Qin Shihuangdi, the Qin Dynasty collapsed into chaos. In 206 BCE, China was reunited under the rule of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE- 206 CE).

Link: https://asia-archive.si.edu/learn/for-educators/teaching-china-with-the-smithsonian/explore-by-dynasty/qin-dynasty/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Wall_of_China

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terracotta_Army