Zhou
Preceded Qin dynasty
Zhou is a Chinese dynasty that ruled from roughly 1046 to 256 BCE, the longest-lasting in Chinese history.
It's divided into Western Zhou and Eastern Zhou periods, the latter containing the Spring and Autumn and Warring States eras that produced Confucius and classical Chinese philosophy.
Zhou is also one of the most common Chinese surnames.
Early metalworking civilization period
- ShangEarly Chinese dynasty
- feudalismLand-for-service social structure
- mandate of heavenCosmic approval for sovereignty
- Warring StatesEra of competing Chinese kingdoms
Ancient Chinese ethical teacher
- LaoziTaoism's legendary founder
- TaoismPhilosophy of the Way
- I ChingChinese divination classic
- MenciusClassical Confucian thinker
Analects · filial piety · junzi · harmony
Inscribed Shang divination remains
- ancestor worshipReligious honoring of forebears
- bellsStruck metal sound-makers
- chimesTuned percussion bells
- inscriptionsWords carved into surfaces
Widely shared family name
- MandarinHigh-ranking government official
- CantoneseSouthern Chinese dialect
- romanizationScript-to-alphabet conversion process
- genealogyStudy of family descent
Bronze Age
Early metalworking civilization period
- ShangEarly Chinese dynasty
- feudalismLand-for-service social structure
- mandate of heavenCosmic approval for sovereignty
Warring States · vassal states · chariot warfare · royal domain
Confucius
Ancient Chinese ethical teacher
Mencius · Analects · filial piety · junzi · harmony
oracle bones
Inscribed Shang divination remains
- ancestor worshipReligious honoring of forebears
- bellsStruck metal sound-makers
- chimesTuned percussion bells
inscriptions · divination · tortoise shells · ceremonial weapons
common surname
Widely shared family name
- MandarinHigh-ranking government official
- CantoneseSouthern Chinese dialect
- romanizationScript-to-alphabet conversion process
genealogy · clan · family name