Spring and Autumn period

Chinese plain 5c. BC-en

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Horse Armor, Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng (10170676483)

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春秋伎乐铜屋1

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Five Hegemons

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Spring and Autumn period (Chinese: 春秋时期; pinyin: Chūnqiū shíqī) was a period in Chinese history that lasted from approximately 771 to 476 BC. It corresponds to the first half of the Eastern Zhou dynasty and is succeeded by the Warring States period. The period is named after the Spring and Autumn Annals (春秋), a chronicle of the state of Lu between 722 and 479 BC, which tradition attributes to Confucius. It was a time of significant cultural and political development, as well as military conflicts among states seeking to assert their dominance.

Overview

During the Spring and Autumn period, the Zhou royal authority declined, and the feudal states became increasingly independent, engaging in frequent warfare with each other. This era saw the rise of influential philosophers, including Confucius, Laozi, and Mencius, whose teachings would profoundly influence Chinese thought and culture. The period is marked by the development of the fengjian system of feudalism and the emergence of powerful regional lords.

Historical Context

The Spring and Autumn period began after the death of King You of Zhou, which led to the division of the Zhou dynasty into Eastern and Western parts. The capital was moved eastward to Luoyang, marking the start of the period. The era was characterized by the Zhou king's diminishing power over the feudal lords, who gained significant autonomy and often waged wars against each other for territory and influence.

Key Events

- **Battle of Chengpu (632 BC):** One of the earliest and largest military conflicts during this period, showcasing the tactical evolution of Chinese armies. - **Reforms of Duke Wen of Jin:** These reforms strengthened the state of Jin and made it a dominant power in the north. - **Rise of the Hegemon States:** States such as Qi, Jin, Chu, and Wu emerged as hegemonies, exerting influence over smaller states through military and diplomatic means.

Cultural Developments

The Spring and Autumn period was a golden age for Chinese philosophy, known as the "Hundred Schools of Thought." Philosophers and thinkers such as Confucius and Laozi proposed ideas on governance, ethics, and society that would shape Chinese culture for millennia. The period also saw advancements in literature, music, and the arts, as well as the compilation of the Spring and Autumn Annals.

End of the Period

The Spring and Autumn period ended with the further disintegration of Zhou royal authority and the transition to the Warring States period, a time of even more intense and widespread warfare among the Chinese states. The shift is marked by the increasing power of the state of Qin, which would eventually unify China under its rule in 221 BC.

Legacy

The Spring and Autumn period is remembered as a time of philosophical flourishing and significant developments in Chinese statecraft and culture. The era's thinkers, particularly Confucius, have left a lasting impact on Chinese society and the world.