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1600 BCE
Shang Dynasty Established
The Shang establish themselves as the rulers of China. They preceded the Xia dynasty, and were the first to keep written records. -
551 BCE
Confucius Begins Teachings
Confucius begins his teachings on ethical values. His teachings on such values would become the basis for Confucianism. Confucianism would become one of few dominant ways of thinking in China. -
500 BCE
Lao-tzu
Lao-tzu develops his teachings of Tao Te Ching. His teachings would become the basis for Taoism. Taoism becomes one of the three main systems of thought in China. -
475 BCE
Warring States Period
The Warring States period occurs near to the end of the Chou or Zhou dynasty. China was split between various warring states and in a state of constant war. This period inspired many thinkers like Confucius and Lao-tzu -
221 BCE
Reunification of China
The state of Qin reunited China after years of bloody war. The Qin king declared himself Shih Huang Ti, or First Emperor. The Frist Emperor then sought to centralize the government, and did so with terrifying methodology. -
206 BCE
The Silk Road
The Silk Road opened up for trade during the Han dynasty. Not only were silk and other good transported, but ideas, cultures, and people along the Silk Road. -
65
Buddhism Reaches China
Buddhism started in India, but spread to China and most of Southeast Asia. The teachings of Buddhism would become the third system of thinking in China. -
105
Invention of Paper
The invention of paper forever changed the way words were recorded in China. The invention of paper led to the creation of books, which spurred the Chinese inventions of woodblock printing and the moveable type. -
626
Civil Service Examinaiton System
The Civil service examination system was implenement as a requirement for all seeking employment within the government by the T'ang dynasty. Poetry writing was included in the civil service examination around A.D. 690.
