Chronology

ca. 5000 B.C.E. Emergence of regional Neolithic settlements
ca. 1500–1050 B.C.E. Shang Dynasty
ca. 1200 B.C.E. Evidence of writing found in royal tombs; chariots come into use
ca. 1050–256 B.C.E. Zhou Dynasty
ca. 900 B.C.E. Book of Songs, Book of Changes, Book of Documents
551–479 B.C.E. Confucius
ca. 500 B.C.E. Iron technology in wide use; cities spread across the central Zhou states
500–200 B.C.E. Golden age of Chinese philosophy
453–403 B.C.E. The Art of War
403–221 B.C.E. Warring States Period; decline of the Zhou Dynasty
ca. 370–300 B.C.E. Mencius
ca. 350 B.C.E. Infantry armed with crossbows
ca. 310–215 B.C.E. Xunzi
ca. 300–200 B.C.E. Early Daoist teachings outlined in the Laozi and the Zhuangzi
Table : CHRONOLOGY