Zhou Dynasty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zhou Dynasty
周朝
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| 1045 BC–256 BC | |||||||||
Population concentration and boundaries of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1050–771 BC) in China
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| Capital | Haojing, Luoyang | ||||||||
| Common languages | Chinese | ||||||||
| Religion | Chinese folk religion, Hundred Schools of Thought | ||||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||
| King | |||||||||
| Chancellor | |||||||||
| History | |||||||||
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• Battle of Muye
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1045 BC | ||||||||
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• Disestablished
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256 BC | ||||||||
| Population | |||||||||
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• 273 BC
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30,000,000 | ||||||||
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• 230 BC
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38,000,000 | ||||||||
| Currency | Cash (Chinese coin), Chinese coin | ||||||||
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The Zhou Dynasty was a very important time in ancient China. It started around 1046 BC when they defeated the Shang Dynasty. The Zhou leaders said they had a special blessing from the gods to rule. This idea was called the Mandate of Heaven.
The Zhou Dynasty moved its capital. It went from Henan to a new place near today's Xi'an, close to the Yellow River. During their long rule, the Zhou kings gained control of many new areas. For the first time in Chinese history, many people also moved to new places to live.
Contents
The Mandate of Heaven
The Mandate of Heaven was a big idea that the Zhou Dynasty introduced. It meant that the gods chose the ruler of China. If a ruler was good and fair, the gods would support them. If a ruler became bad or unfair, the gods would take away their blessing.
This idea allowed new dynasties to take over. They could say the previous rulers had lost the Mandate of Heaven. This theory was used by almost all Chinese dynasties that came after the Zhou.
New Ways of Thinking
During the Zhou Dynasty, many new ideas about life and how to live it began. This period is famous for its great thinkers and philosophers. Their ideas shaped Chinese culture for thousands of years.
Famous Philosophers
Two of the most famous thinkers from this time were Confucius and Laozi.
- Confucius (also known as Kong Fuzi) started a way of thinking called Confucianism. It focused on good behavior, respect for elders, and a strong family.
- Laozi founded Daoism. This philosophy teaches people to live in harmony with nature and to follow the natural flow of life.
Other Important Thinkers
Besides Confucius and Laozi, other important philosophers emerged:
- Mozi (Micius) started Mohism. This idea focused on universal love and caring for everyone equally.
- Mengzi (Mencius) was a follower of Confucius. He helped spread and develop Confucian ideas even further.
- Shang Yang and Han Feizi developed Legalism. This philosophy believed in strict laws and strong government control. Legalism became the main idea for the later Qin dynasty.
- Xunzi was another important thinker who contributed to the philosophical discussions of the time.
Images for kids
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States of the Western Zhou dynasty
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Map showing major states of Eastern Zhou
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Silk painting depicting a man riding a dragon, from 5th–3rd century BC
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A bronze figure of a charioteer from the Warring States era, 4th to 3rd century BC
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An Eastern-Zhou bronze sword
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The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng, a set of bronze musical instruments from 433 BC
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Bronze fittings shaped like tigers from the Middle Western Zhou dynasty
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A Western Zhou ceremonial bronze cooking-vessel
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The Shi Qiang pan, a bronze plate with writings about early Zhou kings
See also
In Spanish: Dinastía Zhou para niños
