Events in Chinese history that influenced Literature

  • 1400 BCE

    First evidence of writing

    First evidence of writing
    In 1400- 1100 B.C. the earliest evidence of Chinese writing is found on the Shang Oracle bones. This writing was just the beginning of a whole other literature nation.
  • 1000 BCE

    Chinese poems

    Chinese poems
    The first Chinese poems were found to date back to 1000- 600 B.C. These poems were a big influence on later to come poems as a reference. It led to big literature mile stones like the Shih Ching book which was the first anthology of Chinese poetry.
  • 551 BCE

    Confucius

    Confucius
    During 551- 479 B.C., Confucius started to preach about how he thought the world should be. He taught about values such as honesty, loyalty, and respect for elders. People were so inspired by his words that they began recording them in Analects.
  • 500 BCE

    Taoism

    Taoism
    Lao-tzu was the legendary founder of Taosim. Taoists sought humility, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Taoism is also increasingly influential in the West, especially in the fields of alternative medicine and martial arts like Tai Chi.
  • 100

    Chinese Dictionary

    Chinese Dictionary
    In A.D. 100, the first Chinese dictionary was composed. This is a big step for the Chinese because it influences them to learn and expand their vocabulary to create even more brilliant literary work.
  • 365

    T'ao Ch'ien

    T'ao Ch'ien
    In A.D. 365, T'ao Ch'ien was born. T'ao was an important lyric poet and is one of the greatest poets in the world.
  • Dec 24, 690

    poetry writing

    poetry writing
    In A.D. 690, poetry was at it's peak in poetry writing. It became a way of life and it even became so popular, it became a requirement in the civil service examination.
  • Dec 24, 900

    Song lyrics

    Song lyrics
    Tz'u was a type of song lyric often sung by women entertainers. It became a major poetic form and one of the most popular lyricists was Li Chi'ing- chao.