The Zhou dynasty was the longest in Chinese history, lasting from 1045 BC to 256 BC. It marked an important period in Chinese history, with the development of Chinese philosophy, iron working, and cultural and religious reforms. The Zhou consolidated power with a strong military, but eventually declined and were replaced by the Qin dynasty.
The Zhou dynasty, also called the Chou dynasty, was an early dynasty in classical China and the longest dynasty in Chinese history, lasting from 1045 BC to 256 BC Preceded by the Shang dynasty and followed by the Qin dynasty, the Zhou dynasty marked an important period in Chinese history. The intellectual flowering that occurred during this period created the foundations of Chinese philosophy, and many of the most famous philosophers and thinkers in Chinese history lived and worked during the Zhou Dynasty.
This dynasty was founded by the Zhou people, who overthrew the Shang. They created a system of government that relied on highly independent city-states overseen by a central authority. The Zhou created the idea of a mandate from heaven, reinforcing the idea that Chinese rulers ruled by the will of heaven. They also suggested that the Shang had been conquered because they were corrupt and weak, perpetuating the idea that the Zhou people were sent from heaven to save China from corruption.
One of the major innovations of the Zhou Dynasty was the development of iron working, along with the refinement of bronze working techniques. The Zhou also promoted a number of cultural and religious reforms, as well as fostering an explosion of philosophy and debate. Both Confucianism and Taoism arose during the Zhou dynasty, along with many other approaches to philosophy and religion. Chinese writing also evolved dramatically during the Zhou dynasty.
In addition to bringing cultural innovations to China, the Zhou also adopted many craft techniques from the Shang. Works such as the metal cauldrons of the Shang and Zhou, for example, are remarkably similar, demonstrating the cultural exchange that took place. However, the Zhou also kept themselves socially separate, creating a tiered society that kept the Zhou firmly in power.
The Zhou consolidated and maintained power with a strong military, especially during the Western Zhou period which lasted from 1045 to 770 BC The second part of the Zhou dynasty, the Eastern Zhou, was characterized by a decline in power and a move of the capital to the east. Eastern Zhou is usually further divided into the Spring, Autumn, and Warring States periods. The Warring States Period eventually destabilized the Zhou, allowing the Qin dynasty to seize power. The Qin was rather short-lived, as were a number of dynasties that followed, illustrating the difficulty of governing and controlling a territory as large and diverse as China.
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