East Asia's Dynasties

Shang Dynasty

1766 BCE

The Shang dynasty built the first cities in China, and had the first written records in China.

Zhou Dynasty

1045 BCE

The Zhou dynasty developed many things, including irrigation systems, and saddles. It was also the longest lasting dynasty.

Han Dynasty

202 BCE

The Han dynasty made new iron tools to fertilize farmland easier. They created schools to prepare students to work for the government

Silla Dynasty

500

The Silla dynasty conquered the southern countires of Paekche and Kaya, and brought a time of peace to Korea.

Sui Dynasty

581

The Sui dynasty helped to rebuild and expand the Great Wall of China.

Tang Dynasty

618

The Tang dynasty expanded their empire south towards Tibet and Vietnam. They had wealthy cities with millions of people in them.

Song Dynasty

960

Farming in the Song dynasty became much more efficient, and farmers aimed at producing more than they required for their own needs. Cities became more densely populated and markets thrived.

Mongol Dynasty

1200

The Mongol Dynasty was the first dynasty to have complete control over all of China.

Yuan Dynasty

1279

The Yuan dynasty, which was part of the Mongol Empire had made its own language. It was China's first foreign-led dynasty.

Ming Dynasty

1368

The Ming dynasty had a large area of palaces and government buildings. This was a time of expansion of cuisine, as food like sweet potatoes and peanuts entered China for the first time.

Choson Dynasty

1392

The Choson, or Yi dynasty, was the longest living Korean dynasty. General Yi established close relationships with the neighbouring Ming dynasty of China, which considered Korea a client state, and Chinese cultural influences were very strong during this period.