Zhou Dynasty

Zhou Dynasty

The Zhou Dynasty originated from the Zhou clan whose existence stretches back into history. By the 11th Century BC, this clan had become increasingly powerful and had extended throughout the present Shaanxi and Gansu Provinces. The Clan's mightiness increasingly menaced the Shang Dynasty and the conflict between the two groups intensified.

At that time, the Shang was under the rule of King Zhou. He was atrocious to his people and doted on his imperial concubine, Daji. All he did caused great rage amongst his people. The chief of the Zhou Tribe,Wenwang thought it was the right time to attack the Shang and entrusted his son Ji Fa to fulfill his last wish. After Wenwang died, his son Ji Fa ( Wuwang) succeeded him. He made full preparations for the war and killed King Zhou. Thus the Shang Dynasty ended in 1046 BC.

 
Bronze Cauldron
Bronze Cauldron
Bronze Bell
Bronze Bell
Later, Wuwang established the Zhou Dynasty and made Haojing (the present Chang'an County, Shaanxi Province) its capital. This dynasty was the longest in Chinese history. It lasted for over 800 years and included the reigns of 37 emperors.

The Zhou Dynasty is divided into two periods: the Western Zhou (11th century BC to 771 BC) and the Eastern Zhou (770 BC - 221 BC). It is so divided because the capital cities in the Western Zhou of Fengyi (presently in the southwest of Chang'an County, Shaanxi Province) and Haojing lie to the west of the Eastern Zhou's capital of Luoyi (present Luoyang, Henan Province). As to the Eastern Dynasty, it is divided into the Spring and Autumn Periods (770 BC-476 BC), and the Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC). Each of the periods featured turbulent wars.

The achievements during the Zhou Dynasty in economy, politics, science and culture, were much more illustrious than any which occurred during the Shang Dynasty.

In the year 221 BC, Qin defeated the other six states which existed during the Warring States Period and unified China. Thus, history moved forward to a new age called the Qin Dynasty.
 
Bronze Vessels of Zhou Dynasty
Zhou Bronze Vessels
Building Material, Western Zhou Dynasty
Building Material, Western Zhou Dynasty
- Last updated on Dec. 13, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Zhou Dynasty
Asked by anonymous from USA | Dec. 13, 2023 09:53Reply
what are some major accomplishments of the zhou dinasty
Answers (1)
Answered by Leo | Dec. 13, 2023 21:47
00Reply


Western Zhou achieved the following achievements:

1. The establishment of a strong centralized system.

2. Strengthening agricultural production: The Western Zhou Dynasty carried out the policy of "planting more crops in the field" to encourage farmers to expand the scale of planting and improve agricultural production, which effectively increased grain output.

3. Improved the ritual system and ceremony: Western Zhou Dynasty attached great importance to the ritual system and established a strict ritual system to maintain the authority of the ruler and social order through the holding and observance of the ritual system.

4. Achievements in bronzeware manufacturing: In the Western Zhou Dynasty, the production of bronzeware reached a peak and many exquisite bronzeware were produced.

5. Laid the foundation of ancient Chinese culture: The cultural thoughts of the Western Zhou Dynasty had an important impact on the development of ancient Chinese culture. Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism and other schools of thought, which arose in the Western Zhou Dynasty, had a profound influence in Chinese society.
Asked by AROOSH from PAKISTAN | Sep. 16, 2023 10:49Reply
Zhou Dynast Emperor Names
Name the Emperors of Zhou Dynasty( All of Them )
Answers (1)
Answered by Emily | Sep. 17, 2023 23:43
00Reply


There are 38 emperors in the Zhou Dynasty. Some of them are Jifa, Jisong, Jizhao, Jixia, Jiman, Ji Yihu, Jijian, Ji Bifang, Jixie, Jihu, Jibi, Jijing, Ji Gongsheng.
Asked by Braeden from USA | Feb. 23, 2023 05:52Reply
How big did the Zhou Dynasty cover?
Answers (1)
Answered by Nat | Feb. 23, 2023 19:09
00Reply


The Western Zhou is about 1,010,000 square kilometers while Eastern Zhou is about 2,190,000 square kilometers.
Asked by Whowhatwhenwherewhy | Feb. 09, 2022 02:18Reply
I can't find the rulers?
Who are they
Answers (1)
Answered by Whowhatwhenwherewhy | Feb. 09, 2022 02:19
00Reply


If there are any other than Wuwang
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