Introduction for Chapter 4

4 China’S Classical Age TO 221 B.C.E.

> How did war and conquest shape China’s development in the Classical Age? Chapter 4 examines the development of the central features of Chinese society in the Classical Age. Chinese history is commonly discussed in terms of a succession of dynasties. The Shang Dynasty (ca. 1500–1050 B.C.E.) was the first to have writing, metalworking, cities, and chariots. The Shang were overthrown by one of their vassal states, which founded the Zhou Dynasty (ca. 1050–256 B.C.E.). The Zhou rulers set up a decentralized feudal governmental structure that evolved over centuries into a multistate system. As warfare between the states intensified in the sixth century B.C.E., social and cultural change quickened. It was in this period that the philosophies of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were developed.

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Bronze Head from China Archaeological discoveries continue to expand our knowledge of the cultures and civilizations of early China. This large bronze mask was found among a large set of sacrificial offerings in the modern province of Sichuan. These unusual objects, which were found only there, suggest a distinct culture. (Sanxingdui Three Star Mound Museum, Guanghan Chengdu Sichuan, China/© William Perry/Alamy)

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