Chinese Events that Influenced Literature Timeline

  • Shang Dynasty
    1600 BCE

    Shang Dynasty

    The shang Dynasty was the first Dynasty in China's history. This dynasty by far was one of the most respected since people had great loyalty to thier king. They were also very creative by creating many different things such as silk cloth.
  • Earliest Chinese Known Poems
    1010 BCE

    Earliest Chinese Known Poems

    China is full of literacy traditions that date even about 3,000 years ago. The first major work of literature work was the Book of Odes, a collection of poems. These poems come from the earliest dynasties in recorded history the Shang and Chou.
  • Analects
    479 BCE

    Analects

    The teaching of Confucius became the founding thought of China. He failed to become an author and gain political power, but became a well known teacher and taught to other classes. Spreading his ideas or education and morals his words were written in these books.
  • Maxim
    479 BCE

    Maxim

    The statement of a general proof of human behavior and some advice. Written to live the right way of life and advice on what to pursue and avoid. Some are written so simple yet cunning, making them more memorable.
  • Burning Literature for Labor
    221 BCE

    Burning Literature for Labor

    Ch'in king declared himself first emperor and vigorously unified the country. He was an intelligent man he centralized the government, built extensive network of roads, and set measurements and weights. Killed scholars and burned books.
  • Paper
    206 BCE

    Paper

    The Han dynasty ruled China for over 400 years and had everlasting influence on its culture, government, commerce, and education. Literature expanded fast due to the silk road and the invention of paper. The religion Buddhism spread to China and increased with the new form of books, scrolls, and calligraphy.
  • Brief Story
    200 BCE

    Brief Story

    A anecdote focuses on a single interesting event. A parable's teachings are more pointed and detailed in truth. Both illustrate aspects of important moral truth.
  • The Golden Age of Literature
    Dec 24, 618

    The Golden Age of Literature

    The T'ang period grew prosperous in literature. It grew rich and full of inhabitants in the capital of Ch'ang under the powerful Empress Wu. Scholarship advanced.
  • Successful Scholars and Gentlemen
    Dec 24, 699

    Successful Scholars and Gentlemen

    Mainly wealthy landowners' sons studied and were tested on the Confucian classics through a system of writing examinations to select officials. The emperor often awarded loyal followers with post in the imperial civil service. Prosperous merchants sent their kids to school for a civil job.