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Xia Dynasty, 2100 BC to 1700 BC
Yu the Great founded this first cohesive state of China along the banks of the great Yellow River (Huang He). His famous vow at the time was he would tame the yellow giant. Today in Henan province near its capital of Zhengzhou, a statue in his likeness stands staring intently across the river as a tribute to his determination and inspiration. With a rule spanning over four centuries, the Xia dynasty controlled the rich area along the Yellow River’s central length. The Xia rule consolidated the Chinese race and other tribal groups. This early civilization was agrarian with its wealth arising from effective grain production. Also notable of the Xia Dynasty is its inception of the slave system, a rudimentary calendar, early forms of writing and simple bronze work. Top
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Shang Dynasty, 1700 BC to 1100 BC
Large numbers of historical records prepared by the Shang Dynasty 
have been uncovered. The records survived so many years primarily because of the durable materials they were written upon which include bronze, tortoise shells and bones. Studying the writings, one can learn of a civilization adept at millet and wheat cultivation, raising cattle, pigs, horses, sheep and dogs, and sophisticated silk manufacture. Other artifacts indicate the artisans of the time were skilled with bronze and jade carving, and highly creative. Early glazes, wine and silk also originated from the Shang Dynasty. Unfortunately, the Shang era became one of superstition, slavery and human sacrifice. Top
Western and Eastern Zhou Dynasties, 1100 BC to 256 BC
China’s first recorded revolution was when the Zhou state peasants rose up against the Shang Dynasty. The peasant population idolized peasant their ruler Qi for his introduction of a new type of millet that would secure the survival of a growing population because of its ease to cultivate. Under Zhou rule, China emerged from bygone eras of myth and legend and entered one of accurately recorded history with the 
841 BC publication of the Table of Twelve Princes. The ruler of Zhou established a number of principalities in his state and assigned relatives as the local rulers. The Zhou empire generally grew by invading neighboring primitive states and incorporating them. Over the hundreds of years of the empire, agricultural techniques were continually improved. The Zhou Dynasty welded bronze, produced the first lacquers, used crossbows and built walls around their cities. Top
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Spring and Autumn Period, 770 BC to 476 BC
Confucius lived during this period, a time of wars between the states as over power. Confucius preached and insisted upon obedience to emperors, fathers, husbands and older brothers as he attempted to restore order to society. Confucianism continues to bear heavy influence on the Chinese even today. This period was the very beginning of feudalism and was marked by round tile, sewer pipes, iron implements, oxen for plowing and a form of steel. Metal coins were used, as were mathematics, astronomy and medicine. Top
Warring States Period, 221 BC to 47 BC
This was a clear transitional period to feudalism during which the war strategy classic The Art of War was produced by Master Sun Tzu. Taoism was promoted by Mencius. The first large scale dams and irrigation controls were built in part to control erosion. Farmers used iron tools and fertilizer. Salt was mined and produced. Scientists wrote the first books on astronomy, and discovered and began using magnets. Top
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Qin Dynasty, 221 BC to 206 BC
Although rule under the Qin Dynasty was very short, Emperor Qin was able to unify China for the first time. In addition to the legacy of his rather brutal unification effort, Emperor Qin started the building of the Great Wall and Terra-cotta Army. He standardized weights, measures, writing and currency. He even implemented a strict legal code. To maintain control of his kingdom, all historical records except those dealing with the Qin were burned and many “enlightened” scholars were executed. Top
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Han Dynasty, 206 BC to 220 AD
Today over 90% of China’s population are of Han Chinese ethnicity. In fact, many still call themselves “the Men of Han”. Han Chinese originated with the Han Dynasty and the China that was created under its rule. Notable of the era was the intricate bureaucracy and administrative system created by Han Emperor Wu to manage the vast territories originally established by the Qin Dynasty. The Han spent their time battling the Huns from the north while welcoming Buddhist teachings from India. Technologies characteristic of the era include the waterwheel, windmill and the first seismograph. China’s first medical text was written, general anesthesia was used for surgical procedures and the first type of plant fiber paper was produced during this era. Szuma Chien wrote China’s first history book and scientists determined that moonlight originated with the sun. Top
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The Three Kingdoms, 220 to 280
Beginning near the end of the Han Dynasty was a period where the north was ruled primarily by three competing kingdoms, the Wei, Shu and Wu. Compared to many periods of transient dynasty rule, this period enjoyed a relatively high level of stability and peace. This period is often romanticized by historical novelists. During this period a type of water pump and ships large enough for 3000 men were developed and utilized. Top
Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, 265 to 589
The first arched stone bridge, widespread use of the celadon and the ability to grow two crops per year were developed during this period. The Luoyang and Datong Buddhist caves were started. Top
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Sui Dynasty, 581 to 618
The Sui first controlled a small area in the north but later were able to unite competing Chinese clans and gain control of the Yellow River plain. From there, they launched a conquest of lands in the south. The Sui rulers were ones to enjoy great luxury and were known for lavishing themselves. It was during this period that engineers designed and built the Grand Canal which stretched from the Yellow River to the Yangzi rice lands. Top
Tang Dynasty, 618 to 907
The Tang’s rule was coincident with the Renaissance in Europe. It was a time of rich culture and one of China’s most prosperous periods. Many forms of art including painting, sculpture and poetry blossomed. Under Tang rule there was peace at home and respect from abroad due in part to the Tang ability to forge alliances with friendly neighbors. The territory expanded as well planned centers for art, culture and commercial activity were built. The Tang period was the most prosperous along the silk road. Unfortunately, as was typical in China, the Tang era ended with instability and warring between various factions and a string of short-lived dynasties. Also noteworthy is a brutal precursor to later anti-foreign uprisings that occurred when a rebel force in Canton butchered 100,000 Arab traders that had settled in the region. Top
Song Dynasty, 960 to 1279
During the first part of Song rule, ferocious barbarians from the north penetrated and controlled much of the north territory. This left the Song no choice but to abandon the old homelands along the Yellow River and retreat to the south where they established their capital in Hangzhou, then known as Qinsai. According to Marco Polo, Qinsai was the largest and richest city in the world. This was a period of active commerce with rich cultural and artistic development taking place. Widespread appreciation of the man-made garden developed. Paper money, moveable type, the compass, gunpowder and even rocket-propelled spears were put into use. Ultimately, a series of invasions from various northern barbarians ended Song rule. The last in the series of the invaders, the Mongols, were the most ruthless China would ever confront. Top
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Yuan Dynasty, 1206 to 1368
When the Mongols entered China, it was with ruthless fury. It is estimated that 35 million Chinese were killed by these barbaric invaders. The Mongols swiftly lay waste to existing kingdoms torching and destroying cities along their trail. The Song retreated to the south and managed to survive for several decades but, finally, they too came under Mongol rule. Surprisingly a wise and noble monarch, Kublai Khan, eventually ruled the Mongol kingdom. He was mild and benevolent, efficient in his rule and certainly incorruptible. The China territory was expanded and all territory lost by earlier dynasties was regained. In fact, the Yuan controlled all of today’s China and other areas including Moscow, Kiev, Damascus, Baghdad and Afghanistan. The Yuan were so ferocious in dealing with inevitable rebellions that even after their rule ended, China’s territory remained intact. The Yuan developed a water clock and improved spinning and weaving techniques. They developed the famous blue and white, and under glaze red porcelain. Top
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Ming Dynasty, 1368 to 1644
During the last years of Mongol rule, Chinese Nationalism had been rising as many Chinese felt all would be well if “Chinese ruled China”. When a Chinese emperor was returned to the throne, the whole nation more or less rejoiced. Unfortunately to maintain power and order, the Ming resorted to brutal tactics. Misdemeanors were met with savage punishments. In some cases, bodies of corrupt officials were
stuffed and hung in the offices of their replacements to ensure future adherence to the law. The Ming military was strong, the country was stable and foreign trade boomed. The Ming imported corn, potato, tobacco, peanuts, sunflower and tomatoes from America. They improved porcelain and added new colors. Sea links with Malacca, Java, Ceylon, and East Africa were established. Macau was lent to the Portuguese and the first Christian missionary arrived in China. The Dutch colonized “Formosa” (Taiwan) Island and remained there until 1662. Although started much earlier, the Great Wall was largely built by the Ming during the 16th century. Top
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Qing Dynasty, 1644 to 1911
Coming from the cold plains of the north, the Manchus bravely and with great skill took over China. They were quick to adapt to the Chinese culture including dress, cuisine and language. They ruled by terror but in doing so were able to
maintain a relative tranquility in the land. Under that tranquility, brewed Chinese unrest and a desire to rule their land themselves. During Qing rule the first US trading ship Empress of China arrived in Guangzhou as did the first US missionaries. It was during the latter part of Qing rule starting after 1800, that China had to begin dealing with exploitation by foreign powers. Exploiting foreign powers included Britain, Germany, Italy, Japan, Belgium, Russia and the United States. With this exploitation and Chinese unrest toward its own corrupt government, the end of dynasty rule began.
Go To: 1800-1900
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