-
1200 BCE
c. 1400-1100
The earliest evidence of Chinese writing is found on Shang oracle bones. -
1200 BCE
c. 1000-600
Earliest known Chinese poems composed. -
800 BCE
551-479
Confucius teaches about ethical values such as honesty, loyalty, and respect for elders; his disciples later record his teachings in Analects. -
800 BCE
c. 500 B.C
The Shih Ching (Book of Odes), the first anthology of Chinese poetry, is compiled. -
400 BCE
c. 85 B.C.
Ssu-ma Ch'ien writes Records of the Historian, a history of China through Wu Ti's reign. -
1 CE
A.D. 54
Pan Ku writes History of the Former Han Dynasty. -
1 CE
c. A.D. 105
The Chinese invented paper. -
400
c. A.D. 690
Poetry writing is included in the civil service examination. -
400
A.D. 699
Birth of Wang Wei, painter and poet. -
400
A.D. 701
Birth of Li Po. -
400
A.D. 712
Birth of Tu Fu. -
800
A.D. 868
Diamond Sutra, the first book with a printed date, is published.