Zhou dynasty

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States of Zhou Dynasty

陕西扶风法门镇庄白村-三年兴壶-西周-宝鸡周原博物院

CMOC Treasures of Ancient China exhibit - bronze gui

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Zhou Dynasty was a significant period in Chinese history, lasting from approximately 1046 BC to 256 BC. It followed the Shang Dynasty and preceded the Qin Dynasty, marking a pivotal era in the development of Chinese civilization. The Zhou Dynasty is especially noted for its considerable contributions to Chinese culture, philosophy, and political organization.

Origins and Foundation

The Zhou Dynasty was established after the Battle of Muye, where the Zhou forces, led by King Wu, defeated the last Shang king, Di Xin. The victory was attributed to the mandate of heaven (Tianming), a principle that became central to the Zhou's justification of their rule. This concept held that the right to rule was granted by heaven based on virtue and moral conduct, and it could be revoked if a ruler became despotic or failed to govern justly.

Era of Division

The Zhou Dynasty is divided into two periods: the Western Zhou (1046-771 BC) and the Eastern Zhou (770-256 BC). The Western Zhou saw the establishment of a feudal system, where control was decentralized, and local lords governed their territories in the king's name. This period was marked by relative stability and the development of the Zhou's ritual and political systems.

The Eastern Zhou period began after the capital was moved to Luoyang following the sack of the Western Zhou capital by non-Chinese tribes. This era is further divided into the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States period (475-221 BC). The Eastern Zhou saw increased warfare between states and significant cultural and philosophical development, including the emergence of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism.

Culture and Achievements

The Zhou Dynasty made lasting contributions to Chinese culture. The development of the Chinese writing system continued, and many Chinese classical texts, such as the Yijing (Book of Changes) and the Shijing (Book of Songs), were compiled during this time. These works not only have literary value but also provide insight into the social, political, and religious life of the period.

In philosophy, the Zhou period was a golden age, giving rise to Confucius and Laozi, among others, whose ideas have profoundly influenced Chinese thought and values up to the present day. The concept of the Mandate of Heaven also led to the development of a moral code that was expected of rulers.

Politically, the Zhou Dynasty's feudal system laid the groundwork for later bureaucratic developments during the Qin and Han dynasties. Although the system eventually broke down, leading to the Warring States period, it was a critical step in the evolution of Chinese governance.

Decline and Fall

The Zhou Dynasty's decline began during the Eastern Zhou, as the power of the Zhou kings waned and the feudal lords grew increasingly independent. The period of the Warring States saw the fragmentation of China into several competing states. In 221 BC, the state of Qin, under King Zheng, who later took the title Qin Shi Huang, unified China, marking the end of the Zhou Dynasty and the beginning of the Qin Dynasty.

Legacy

The Zhou Dynasty's legacy is immense, influencing Chinese culture, philosophy, and political theory for millennia. The concepts of the Mandate of Heaven and the philosophical teachings that emerged during this time continue to be integral to Chinese identity and thought.