Zhou Dynasty — 周朝
Zhōu Cháo · 1046–256 BCE
Key Facts
- Dynasty
- Zhou Dynasty (周朝, Zhōu Cháo)
- Period
- 1046–256 BCE
- Capital
- Haojing (West), Luoyi (East)
- Notable for
- Yi Jing (Book of Changes)
The longest dynasty in Chinese history, divided into Western (1046–771 BCE) and Eastern (770–256 BCE) periods. The Zhou era produced the foundational texts of Chinese civilisation: the Yi Jing (Book of Changes), the Shi Jing (Book of Songs), and the classical philosophical traditions of Confucius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Sunzi, and Mencius. The Zhou consolidated the Mandate of Heaven doctrine and formalised the five-element cosmology.
Capital & Period
Key Contributions
The Zhou Dynasty made lasting contributions to Chinese zodiac, calendar, and metaphysical traditions:
- Yi Jing (Book of Changes)
- Classical philosophy (Confucius, Laozi)
- Five-element cosmology formalisation
- Mandate of Heaven
Frequently Asked Questions
The Zhou Dynasty (周朝, Zhōu Cháo) spanned 1046–256 BCE, with its capital at Haojing (West), Luoyi (East).
The Zhou Dynasty's major contributions include: Yi Jing (Book of Changes); Classical philosophy (Confucius, Laozi); Five-element cosmology formalisation; Mandate of Heaven.
Discussion
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