Periods and Dynasties of Ancient China

This article looks at the conventional divisions of the history of China into eras and dynasties, starting with the earliest about which we have any information and continuing through to Communist China. The focus (as always) is on the period of ancient Chinese history that begins with the advent of writing and ends with one corresponds best with a convention that makes sense only in Europe: A.D. 476. That year is in the middle of the relevant Chinese period, the Southern Song and Northern Wei Dynasties, and is of no special significance for Chinese history.

Neolithic

First, according to historian Sima Qian, who chose to begin his Shiji (Records of the Historian) with the Yellow Emperor tale, Huang Di unified tribes along the Yellow River valley nearly 5,000 years ago. For these achievements, he is considered the founder of the Chinese nation and culture. Ever since 200BC, Chinese rulers, imperial and otherwise, have considered it politically convenient to sponsor an annual memorial ceremony in his honor. Taipei Times - "Dumping the Yellow Emperor Myth"

The Neolithic (neo='new' lithic='stone') Period of Ancient China lasted from about 12,000 until about 2000 B.C. Hunting, gathering, and agriculture were practiced during this period. Silk was also produced from mulberry leaf-fed silkworms. The pottery forms of the Neolithic period were painted and black, representing the two cultural groups, Yangshao (in the mountains of the north and west of China) and Lungshan (in the plains in eastern China), as well as utilitarian forms for daily use.

Xia

It had been thought that the Xia were a myth, but radiocarbon evidence for this Bronze Age people suggests that the period ran from 2100 to 1800 B.C. Bronze vessels found at Erlitou along the Yellow River in northern central China also attest to the reality of the Xia.
The agrarian Xia were ancestors of the Shang.
See The Golden Age of Classical Archaeology

Shang

The truth about the Shang (c. 1700-1027 B.C.), who like the Xia had been considered mythical, came as a result of the discovery of the writing on oracle bones. It is traditionally believed that there were 30 kings and 7 capitals of the Shang. The ruler lived at the center of his capital. The Shang had bronze weapons and vessels, as well as earthenware. The Shang are credited with inventing Chinese writing because there are written records, notably the oracle bones.

More on the Shang Dynasty

Zhou

The Zhou were originally semi-nomadic and had co-existed with the Shang. The dynasty was begun by Kings Wen (Ji Chang) and Zhou Wuwang (Ji Fa) who were considered ideal rulers, patrons of the arts, and descendants of the Yellow Emperor. This was the period of the great philosophers. The Zhou developed a feudal system of allegiance and government that lasted as long as any other dynasty in the world, although barbarian invaders forced the Zhou to move their capital to the East. They banned human sacrifice. The Zhou period lasted from about 1040-221 B.C. The Zhou period is further divided into:

• Western Zhou 1027-771 B.C.
• Eastern Zhou 770-221 B.C.
• 770-476 B.C. -- Spring and Autumn period
• 475-221 B.C. -- Warring States period

During this period, iron tools were developed and population exploded. During the Warring States Period, only the Qin defeated their enemies.

More on the Zhou Dynasty

Qin

The Qin Dynasty, which lasted from 221-206 B.C., was begun by the architect of the Great Wall of China, the first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi (246/221-210 B.C.). The wall was built to repel nomadic invaders, the Xiongnu. Highways were also built. When he died, the emperor was buried in an enormous tomb with a terra cotta army for protection. During this period the feudal system was replaced by a strong central bureaucracy. The second emperor of the Qin was Qin Ershi Huangdi (Ying Huhai) who ruled from 209-207 B.C. The third emperor was the King of Qin (Ying Ziying) who ruled in 207 B.C.

More on the Qin Dynasty

Han

The Han Dynasty, which was founded by Liu Bang (Han Gaozu), lasted for four centuries (206 B.C.- A.D. 8, 25-220). During this period, Confucianism became state doctrine. China had contact with the west via the Silk Road during this period. Under Emperor Han Wudi, the empire expanded into Asia. The dynasty is to divided into a Western Han and an Eastern Han because there was a split following the unsuccessful attempt by Wang Mang to reform the government. At the end of the Eastern Han, the empire was divided into three kingdoms by powerful warlords.

More on the Han Dynasty

Following the collapse of the Han Dynasty was a period of political disunity, but it was also the time when gunpowder was developed -- for fireworks.

Next: Three Kingdoms and Chin (Jin) Dynasty