Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC)

Description

The Zhou Dynasty was a period of Chinese history that lasted from 1046 to 256 BC. It was the longest-lasting dynasty in Chinese history and was characterized by its political and cultural achievements.
The Zhou Dynasty was founded by King Wu of Zhou, who overthrew the Shang Dynasty in 1046 BC. The Zhou Dynasty was divided into two distinct periods: the Western Zhou (1046–771 BC) and the Eastern Zhou (770–256 BC). During the Western Zhou period, the Zhou kings ruled from their capital at Haojing, near modern-day Xi'an. This period was marked by a strong central government and a flourishing of culture and the arts. The Zhou kings were able to maintain their power by relying on a feudal system of vassal states, which were ruled by local lords who paid tribute to the Zhou king.
The Eastern Zhou period was marked by a decline in the power of the Zhou kings and the rise of powerful regional states. This period was characterized by a period of political and social upheaval, as well as a flourishing of culture and the arts. During this period, the Hundred Schools of Thought emerged, which included Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.
The Zhou Dynasty was also known for its advances in technology and science. During this period, the Chinese developed the first written language, the first system of weights and measures, and the first system of taxation. They also developed the first system of writing, which was based on the use of characters.
The Zhou Dynasty was also known for its advances in the arts. During this period, the Chinese developed a system of music, painting, and poetry. They also developed a system of bronze casting, which allowed them to create intricate sculptures and other works of art.
The Zhou Dynasty was also known for its advances in philosophy. During this period, the Chinese developed a system of thought known as Confucianism, which emphasized the importance of family, education, and respect for authority. This system of thought was later adopted by the Han Dynasty and became the basis for Chinese culture and society.
The Zhou Dynasty was also known for its advances in warfare. During this period, the Chinese developed a system of chariots and cavalry, which allowed them to fight more effectively on the battlefield. They also developed a system of fortifications, which allowed them to defend their cities from attack.
The Zhou Dynasty was eventually overthrown by the Qin Dynasty in 256 BC. Despite its eventual downfall, the Zhou Dynasty left a lasting legacy on Chinese culture and society. Its advances in technology, science, the arts, philosophy, and warfare laid the foundation for the development of Chinese civilization.

Kings from Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC)

King Wu of Zhou (1046–1043 BC): King Wu of Zhou was the first king of the Zhou Dynasty and is credited with overthrowing the Shang Dynasty. He is known for his military prowess and for his reforms of the government and legal system.
King Cheng of Zhou (1042–1021 BC): King Cheng of Zhou was the second king of the Zhou Dynasty and is known for his reforms of the government and legal system. He is credited with creating the first feudal system in China.
King Kang of Zhou (1020–996 BC): King Kang of Zhou was the third king of the Zhou Dynasty and is known for his reforms of the government and legal system. He is credited with creating the first Chinese calendar.
King Zhao of Zhou (995–977 BC): King Zhao of Zhou was the fourth king of the Zhou Dynasty and is known for his reforms of the government and legal system. He is credited with creating the first Chinese coinage system.
King Mu of Zhou (976–922 BC): King Mu of Zhou was the fifth king of the Zhou Dynasty and is known for his reforms of the government and legal system. He is credited with creating the first Chinese writing system.

Timeline of Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC)

1046 BC: The Zhou Dynasty begins with King Wu of Zhou overthrowing the Shang Dynasty.
1045 BC: King Wu of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Cheng of Zhou.
1043 BC: King Cheng of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Kang of Zhou.
1042 BC: King Kang of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Zhao of Zhou.
1021 BC: King Zhao of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Mu of Zhou.
1000 BC: King Mu of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Gong of Zhou.
977 BC: King Gong of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Yi of Zhou.
922 BC: King Yi of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Li of Zhou.
770 BC: King Li of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Xuan of Zhou.
722 BC: King Xuan of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King You of Zhou.
717 BC: King You of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Ping of Zhou.
681 BC: King Ping of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Huan of Zhou.
643 BC: King Huan of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Jing of Zhou.
636 BC: King Jing of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Zhuang of Zhou.
628 BC: King Zhuang of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Xuan of Zhou.
616 BC: King Xuan of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Xiang of Zhou.
609 BC: King Xiang of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Zhao of Zhou.
586 BC: King Zhao of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Mu of Zhou.
547 BC: King Mu of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Ling of Zhou.
543 BC: King Ling of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Jing of Zhou.
512 BC: King Jing of Zhou dies and is succeeded by his son, King Dao of Zhou.
256 BC: The Zhou Dynasty ends with the death of King Dao of Zhou.