| Xia | Shang | Zhou | Spring and Autumn Period | Warring states and Qin | Han |
| Xia Dynasty was one of the most ancient dynasties of China established in 2070 BC. Read more... | 1766 BC: traditional date for the founding of the first historic dynasty in China, the Shang dynasty. Read more... |
The philosophers of Zhou’s period enunciated the doctrine of “mandate of the heaven: |
The period's name derives from the Spring and Autumn Annals, a chronicle of the state of Lu between 722 and 479 BC, which tradition associates with Confucius. Read more... |
Qin was one of the leading states in the “Warring States” period. Its origins can be traced back to the beginnings of the Eastern Zhou period, to 771 BC. |
202 BC: The Han dynasty founded, after several years of chaos following the fall of the Qin. 220 AD: the fall of the Han dynasty is a convenient marker for the end point of the ancient period of Chinese history. |
Most of the history of Chinese civilization, including the ancient period, has traditionally been divided into dynasties. A dynasty is a line of kings or emperors from a single family, following each other on the throne from generation to generation.
Shang Dynasty - China's First Recorded History, from Ancient Civilizations
Shang Dynasty Civilization - from Khan Academy
Shang Dynasty, from the History Channel
Shang and Zhou Dynasties: The Bronze Age of China, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Zhou Dynasty ruled Ancient China from 1045 BC to 256 BC. It was the longest ruling dynasty in the history of China.
The land of Zhou was a vassal state of the Shang Dynasty. A powerful leader of the Zhou named Wen Wang began to plan to overthrow the Shang Dynasty. It took many years, but finally Wen Wang's son, Wu Wang, led an army across the Yellow River to defeat the King of the Shang Dynasty. King Wu established a new dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty.
Nelson, Ken. (2016).
For more information click on the image
The Qin Dynasty only lasted for 15 years. Yet it is one of the most famous dynasties in ancient Chinese history. Emperor Qin ran his dynasty with absolute control. Punishment for those who disagreed with him was swift and harsh. You could be put to death simply by suggesting another way to do things. There was only Qin's way.
Donn, n.d.
More about the Han Dynasty [here]
The Han Dynasty, from Kids Discover
10 Inventions From China's Han Dynasty That Changed the World, from the History Channel
Silk Road, from the History Channel
Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) - from the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Han Dynasty of Ancient China - from TimeMaps