Zheng (state) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids State of Zheng 鄭國
806 BC–375 BC
Map of states in Zhou dynasty including Zheng
Status	Duchy
Capital	Zheng (鄭) Xinzheng (新鄭)
Common languages	Old Chinese
Religion	Taoism, Animism, ancestor worship
Government	Monarchy
Duke
• 806–771 BC	Duke Huan of Zheng
• 743–701 BC	Duke Zhuang of Zheng
• 395–375 BC	Duke Kang of Zheng
History
• King Xuan of Zhou granting land to Prince You	806 BC
• Conquest of the State of Han	375 BC
Currency	Chinese coin; Spade coin
Preceded by Succeeded by Zhou Dynasty Han (Warring States)

Zheng
"Zheng" in seal script (top), Traditional (middle), and Simplified (bottom) Chinese characters
Traditional Chinese	鄭
Simplified Chinese	郑
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Zhèng Gwoyeu Romatzyh Jenq Wade–Giles Chêng4 IPA [ʈʂə̂ŋ] Wu Suzhounese Zên Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization Jehng IPA [tsɛ̀ːŋ] Jyutping Zeng6 Southern Min Hokkien POJ Tēn Tâi-lô Tēnn Old Chinese Baxter–Sagart (2014) *[d]reŋ-s

Zheng (/dʒɛŋ/; Chinese: 鄭) was an important state in ancient China. It existed during the Zhou Dynasty (1046–221 BCE). Zheng was located in the middle of what is now Henan Province. This area is part of the North China Plain.

At the start of the Eastern Zhou period (771–701 BCE), Zheng was one of the strongest states. It was also the first state to create a clear code of law in 543 BCE. The rulers of Zheng belonged to the Ji family (姬). This meant they were related to the Zhou royal family. They held the title of Bo, which was like an elder or chief.

Founding the State of Zheng

The state of Zheng began in 806 BC. King Xuan of Zhou gave land to his younger brother, Prince You (王子友). Prince You became the first Duke of Zheng. He is known as Duke Huan of Zheng. The land was in a place called Zheng, near modern-day Hua County, Shaanxi.

Duke Huan served as an important official, a Situ, for King You of Zhou. Sadly, in 771 BC, the Quanrong tribes attacked the Zhou capital. Duke Huan was killed along with King You.

Duke Huan's son, Duke Wu (鄭武公), took over. Duke Wu helped King Ping of Zhou become king. This helped start the Eastern Zhou period. Duke Wu moved the state of Zheng to a new location. This new capital was Xinzheng (meaning "New Zheng") in Henan. He also took over the state of Eastern Guo and defeated Kuai. For many generations, Zheng rulers served as top ministers for the Zhou kings.

Zheng in the Spring and Autumn Period

Early Power of Zheng

Zheng was very powerful at the beginning of the Spring and Autumn period. It was the first Zhou state to take over another state, Xi, around 684 to 680 BC. Zheng became one of the richest states. Its central location helped it become a hub for trade. It had more merchants than any other state. Zheng often used its wealth to get out of tough situations.

Duke Zhuang of Zheng (743–701 BC) was a very strong leader. He even defeated an alliance of states led by the Zhou king himself. He even wounded King Huan of Zhou. However, after Duke Zhuang died, his sons fought a civil war. This made Zheng less powerful.

Challenges and Changes

After Duke Zhuang, his elder son Duke Zhao (701, 697–695 BC) became ruler. But a powerful official named Zhai Zhong supported Duke Li (701–697, 680–673 BC), a younger son. Duke Zhao was removed, and Duke Li took his place. Later, Duke Li was forced into exile. After some years, Duke Zhengzi Ying (694–680 BC), Duke Li's younger brother, became the ruler. He was later killed, and Duke Li returned to rule.

Duke Wen of Zheng (672–628 BCE) faced many challenges when he became ruler. He ruled for 45 years. During his time, the powerful state of Chu from the south sometimes influenced Zheng's affairs.

Later Years and Decline

Chinese states, 5th century BCE

As other states grew stronger, Zheng had little room to expand. Because it was in the middle of China, larger states surrounded it. Zheng often had to change its alliances to survive. It became a battleground between powerful states like Chu and Qi, and later Chu and Jin. By the 7th century BCE, Zheng played a smaller role.

Even so, Zheng remained quite strong for a while. Under Duke Mu (628–606 BC), Zheng defeated a combined army of Jin, Song, Chen, and Wei in 607 BCE.

Zheng's prime minister, Zichan (543–522 BC), was a famous statesman. He was a grandson of Duke Mu. Zheng was also known for being the first state in China to make its laws public. They were written on bronze in 536 BCE.

Eventually, Zheng became weaker due to conflicts among its ruling families. In 375 BCE, during the Warring States period, the state of Han took over Zheng.

List of Rulers

Family Tree of Zheng Rulers

Other Important People from Zheng

• Zichan: A famous thinker and leader.
• Zheng Mao (鄭瞀): An admired woman from ancient stories.
• Shen Buhai 申不害: A future Prime Minister of Han and a "Legalist" philosopher.