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Period: 1250 BCE to 1046
First Oracle Bones
Oracle bones were cattle bones or turtle shells on which ancient Chinese priests carved predictions for the future. These bones are the first recorded evidence of Chinese writing, and display a primitive alphabet of glyphs. -
Period: 722 BCE to 481
The Spring and Autumn Annals
The 241 year period known as the Spring and Autumn period is chronicled in a massive piece of writing, and it's considered a core Chinese classic. This is a large literary undertaking and shows an emphasis on using writing to tell history in ancient China. -
650 BCE
Writing of the Tao-Te-Ching
This compilation of poetry, called the Tao-Te-Ching, was written sometime in the sixth century BCE and is used as a guidebook for life by many people today. It is a series of poems detailing Lao-Tzu's worldview and philosophy, which was soon adapted into the lifestyle of Taoism. Lao-Tzu may not have actually existed, but this series of sayings shaped Chinese worldview for a long time. Its teachings of simple pleasures led to the development of new art forms. -
551 BCE
Birth of Confucius
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and scholar whose teachings shaped Chinese culture all throughout the Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties. Confucius advocated widespread education as a means of self-betterment. He believed that humans were in control of their own destiny, and if all people were constantly working to cultivate themselves, society would transform for the better. -
500 BCE
Writing of Confucius' Analects
Confucius' compiled works known as the Analects are a guide to living by his teachings. He started writing these pieces at around 500 BCE, and his students continued to add onto them after his death. The Analects are actually a collection of memoirs, stories, and anecdotes from Confucius' own life. This is significant, as it shows the use of literature in teaching moral and ethical lessons. -
400 BCE
The Shijing (Book of Odes)
The Shih Ching is said to be the first great collection of Chinese poetry. It is said to have been compiled by Confucius himself, and includes works from as far back as 1000 BCE. These poems were strictly artistic expression, and served only as literary works. This is a huge advancement in the use of literature as an art. -
Period: 220 BCE to 589 BCE
Six Dynasties Period
The Six Dynasties period was a time of great political turmoil and war. China was being ruled by various groups, some native and others invading, and the chaos caused people to turn away from traditional views. With the introduction of Buddhism and Taoism, literature became less of a state industry and moved toward becoming a form of creative, individual expression. Taoism specifically used poetry as a way to communicate with its audience. -
141 BCE
Birth of Han Wudi
Han Wudi was the sixth Han emperor of China. He is well known for instituting Confucianism as the basis for the Chinese state. He respected the literary competence of Confucian practitioners, and continued to encourage the pursuit of literature.
