The Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou dynasty was the longest reigning dynasty of Chinese history. It was founded during the early 11th century BCE and found its end in the mid-3rd century BCE. It is also the dynasty that reigned longest worldwide. The kings of the Zhou bore the title of "Son of Heaven", which was inherited by all Chinese dynasties.
The Zhou dynasty was the longest reigning dynasty of Chinese history. It was founded during the early 11th century BCE and found its end in the mid-3rd century BCE. It is also the dynasty that reigned longest worldwide. The kings of the Zhou bore the title of "Son of Heaven", which was inherited by all Chinese dynasties.
General Size
The Western Zhou dynasty (1100s.-770 BCE) created two capitals, Zongzhou or Hao , and Chengzhou or Luo or Luoyi, yet the rulers stayed in the western region where their people had lived for some centuries. According to mythology, and supported by archeological findings, the Zhou people had formerly lived in Bin, a territory that was either located in the Fen River valley in Shanxi or northwest of modern Xi'an. The older capitals of the Zhou tribe were Qi and Feng, both also not far from modern Xi'an. |
Accomplishments
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The Western Zhou developed their own style in decorating vessels. In the first few centuries of the 1st millenium BC ornaments and vessel types became quite different from the Shang motifs earlier.
The most important texts to the Zhou tradition became also the core texts of the later Confucian classics: The "Book of Documents" (Shangshu or Shujing, literally "Texts of the Old") is a collection of speeches and discussions from the mythical Xia and the Shang Dynasty to the end of Western Zhou period. The "Book of Songs" (Shijing) is a collection of hymns, critics and popular songs from the Western Zhou and Spring and Autumn periods. The third great text is the "Book of Changes" (Yijing), a manual for milfoil divination said to have been compiled by King Wen or the Duke of Zhou.
Astronomy, Astrology, Geography, Physics:
- perfection of the calendar
- regular observation of the starry sky and recording of irregular astronomical events
- maps of the starry sky; first geographical maps
- division of China into the Nine Provinces
- discovering of magnetism
Mathematics:
- description of basic arithmetics
- calculating with chips or tallies
- geometry and trigonometry
Agriculture:
- amelioration of ploughing methods
- use of fertilizers and pesticides
Medicine:
- descriptions of healing methods like acupuncture and moxibustion