timeline

  • 3300 BCE

    Bronze is made from a combination of copper and tin: Known globally since the Bronze Age.

    Bronze is made from a combination of copper and tin: Known globally since the Bronze Age.
  • Period: 1600 BCE to 1046 BCE

    The artisans of the Shang dynasty were known for their bronze casting: Peaked between 1600–1046 BCE.

  • Period: 1600 BCE to 1046 BCE

    The Chang (Shang) dynasty ruled for approximately 600 years.

  • Period: 1047 BCE to 256 BCE

    The Zhou dynasty ruled for the longest period in Chinese history: 1046–256 BCE.

  • Period: 770 BCE to 256 BCE

    A "Classical Age": The Zhou dynasty, especially during its Eastern Zhou period (770–256 BCE).

  • 221 BCE

    The Ch’in dynasty is known for building the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army.

    The Ch’in dynasty is known for building the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army.
  • 202 BCE

    A scholar in China: Formal exams began during the Han Dynasty

    A scholar in China: Formal exams began during the Han Dynasty
  • Period: 202 BCE to 220

    The Han dynasty achieved significant developments.

  • 130 BCE

    The Silk Road opened during the Han dynasty.

    The Silk Road opened during the Han dynasty.
  • 100

    Buddhism entered China.

    Buddhism entered China.
  • 618

    Items like silk, tea, and porcelain were sought after by other countries during trade: Tang dynasty.

  • 700

    Japan is nicknamed the "Land of the Rising Sun".

  • 868

    The invention of block printing: Tang dynasty.

  • 900

    Gunpowder is invented.

  • Period: 1046 to 256

    Taoism and Confucianism remained strong: Established earlier but peaked during the Zhou dynasty.

  • 1100

    The compass was invented.

  • Period: 1185 to

    Daimyo: Prominent during feudal Japan.

  • Period: 1185 to

    Mikado: Prominent during feudal Japan.

  • Period: 1192 to

    Shogun: The shogunate lasted for about 650 years.

  • Period: 1200 to

    Samurai: Flourished for 700 years.

  • 1300

    Marco Polo called Japan "Cipango"

  • 1368

    China imported silver, wool, and glassware from Europe: Ming dynasty.

  • Period: 1368 to

    The Ming dynasty ruled.

  • Period: 1368 to

    The Ming and Qing dynasties were resistant to outside trade.

  • 1544

    Taiwan was previously called Formosa.

  • The Dutch controlled most of the trade allowed.

  • Period: to

    The Qing (Manchu) dynasty ruled.

  • Missionaries like Hudson Taylor and Robert Morrison spent time in China during the treaty era.

  • China wanted opium from the British, leading to the Opium Wars.

  • The Boxers were a secret society that opposed foreign influence and Christianity in China.

  • The Boxer Rebellion led to increased foreign intervention and the decline of the Qing dynasty.

  • Japan attacked Pearl Harbor during WWII.

  • After WWII, Korea was divided into North and South.

    After WWII, Korea was divided into North and South.
  • Hiroshima was hit by "Little Boy" (nuclear bomb)

    Hiroshima was hit by "Little Boy" (nuclear bomb)
  • Nagasaki was hit by "Fat Man" (nuclear bomb)

    Nagasaki was hit by "Fat Man" (nuclear bomb)
  • In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, sparking the Korean War.

  • The Korean War ended in an armistice, leaving Korea divided.

  • Period: to

    Japan's ambition is described as "imperialism".

  • Hong Kong reverted to Chinese control after being a British colony.