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551 BCE
Birth of Confucius
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Period: 551 BCE to 479 BCE
Confucius
This is a brief timeline of the important events of the life of Confucius, who was a teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher. This timeline will help students to understand the biography of Confucius and why he is important to study in History courses. -
548 BCE
Death of Confucius' Father
At age 3, Confucius lost his father, Kong He, who was an officer in Lu military and was raised by his mother, Yan Zhengzai.
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535 BCE
Death of Confucius' Mother
Confucius lost his mother and per tradition, he spent 3 years mourning.
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532 BCE
Marriage
At age 19, Confucius gets married to Qiguan.
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531 BCE
Birth of Confucius' Son
A year after his marriage with Qiguan, the couple had their first child, Kong Li.
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519 BCE
Teaching career
Confucius was the first teacher in China whose aim was to make education available for everyone. He adopted teaching as his career teaching calligraphy, ritual, charioteering, arithmetic, music, and archery supported by his knowledge of history.
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518 BCE
Meeting of Lao Tzu
Confucius was said to have met the famous teacher, Lao Tzu, who criticized Confucius for his stuffiness and arrogance.
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501 BCE
Stepping Into Politics
In his late 40's, Confucius was appointed the governor of a town in Lu state, which was considered a minor position at the time.
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500 BCE
Minister of Crime
Confucius becomes the "Minister of Crime" in the state of Lu. -
498 BCE
Journey Away From Lu
Confucius decides to embark on a journey away from Lu, throughout eastern China. With the accompaniment of few of his disciples, they wander throughout the eastern states of Wei, Sung, and Ch'en.
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484 BCE
Return to Lu
With much time spent developing the art of government away from Lu, Confucius gained many followers and he was invited back to Lu because of few of his disciples who had returned to Lu and assumed positions with Chi clan. -
479 BCE
Death of Confucius
At his return to Lu, Confucius encounters sad deaths of his loved ones. He finds out that his wife had passed away a year prior, his son died, and his two favorite disciples, Yen Hui and Tzu-Iu had died. Confucius felt these losses deeply and passed away.
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