Ancient China Timeline by Lester Ian Lapid

Shang Dynasty (1700-1122 BCE)

lesterlapid — 2024-03-05 18:17:13 UTC

At the start of the Shang Dynasty, the Shang family ruled the area around the Yellow River. During this time, the Chinese Bronze Age fully came into the limelight. The first real cities in ancient East Asia emerged here. Eventually, the Shangs also owned the area near the Yangtze River.

Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 BCE)

lesterlapid — 2024-03-05 18:17:58 UTC

During this time, Sun Tzu was born in 550 BCE. The philosopher Confucius was also born 7 years prior in 557 BCE. In 506 BCE, the iron cast was invented.

Warring States Period (700 - 221 BCE)

lesterlapid — 2024-03-05 18:18:42 UTC

During this time states were at war with each other in an attempt to gain control. In 348 BCE, crossbows were used for the first time. They were used as the main method of ranged combat.

Qin Dynasty (221-210 BCE)

lesterlapid — 2024-03-05 18:19:24 UTC

In 216 BCE, an army of terracotta warriors was buried with emperor Qin. In the same year, the umbrella was invented. In 226 BCE, China's writing system was standardized by the government.

Han Dynasty (206 BCE- 220 CE)

lesterlapid — 2024-03-05 18:20:07 UTC

In 4 BCE, the government finds out via census that the Chinese Empire has an estimated population of 60 million people. In 99 CE, China invented paper. In 202 CE, the Battle of Red Cliffs was waged.