This interactive timeline is a free educational resource created by the East Asia National Resource Center at Georgetown University. ;xNLx;;xNLx;This timeline covers the social, political, economic, and technological developments of the Huang He (Yellow) River Valley Civilizations to the beginning of the Qin Dynasty, China'a first imperial dynasty. ;xNLx;;xNLx;By Kat Harrington and Joshua Leslie;xNLx;Edited by Evan Dawley
The state of Qin grew economically and militarily strong enough to overtake the other states under the Zhou Dynasty and unify them under the central government of the Qin Dynasty, ultimately ending the Warring States Period and establishing China's first imperial dynasty.
Mencius was a pupil of Confucius' grandson, Zisi, and is best known for his defense and elaboration of Confucius' teachings.
Legalism was one philosophy during the time of the Hundred Schools of Thought that did not entertain discourse on spirituality and ethics. It instead advocated a strict rule of law to promote social harmony.
The Warring States period followed the Spring and Autumn period of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty and culminated in the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty.
Contrary to Confucianism, Mohism was a social philosophy which advocated that all humans should be loved equally, regardless of their relationship to one another, as well as the virtues of frugality, pacifism and submission to the will of heaven.
The invention of the iron plough enabled farmers to more efficiently till their land and boosted agricultural production.
Confucius is China's most revered scholar and philosopher. The influence of his teachings remain significant in Chinese culture today.
The invention of cast iron allowed the Chinese to produce better cooking ware, farming tools, weapons, and buildings.
Laozi is the philosopher credited with composing "Tao Te Ching," also known as "Daodejing" or simply "Laozi," the classic text which inspired the development of Daoism.
The Spring and Autumn Period as well as the Warring States Period were times of great intellectual debate and philosophical development. So many different ways of thinking about life, society, tradition, politics, and religion arose at this time that this era is known as the "Contention of the Hundred Schools of Thought."
Amongst the power struggles between the feudal states, philosophy and culture flourished during in the Spring and Autumn Period of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.
The Book of Songs (Shi Jing) is the earliest compilation of poetry we know of in Chinese history. Its longevity can be attributed to its special status as one of Confucius' 'five classics.'
The Zhou Dynasty was a politically tumultuous time in ancient Chinese history. Many of the traditions associated with imperial China and Confucianism were born during this divided dynasty.
First appearing in texts from the early Zhou Dynasty, the Mandate of Heaven was a philosophy used to explain the rise and fall of rulers and the dynastic cycle.
The pictograms found on oracle bones are the earliest examples we have of a writing system used during the Huang He Valley Civilization.
Battle between the Xia Dynasty and the Shang Kingdom for control of the North China Plain. The Shang were victorious and established the Shang Dynasty.
The Shang Dynasty is considered to be the first authenticated Chinese dynasty. It was established on the North China Plain near the great bend of the Yellow River.
Shangdi was the supreme divine spirit worshipped by the people of the Shang Dynasty. It was believed that Shangdi’s power could bring about military victories, successful harvests, and ensure the prosperity of the kingdom.
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