Yin yang

Ancient China

  • Period: 2205 BCE to 1575 BCE

    Xia (2205 to 1575 BC)

    The first dynasty in China, very little is known about the Xia.
  • Period: 1570 BCE to 1045 BCE

    Shang (1570 to 1045 BC)

    The Shang ruled much of the area along the Yellow River. Their last capital city was the great city of Yin.
  • Period: 1045 BCE to 256 BCE

    Zhou (1045 to 256 BC)

    The longest ruling dynasty in the history of China, the Zhou first used the Mandate of Heaven to justify their rule. Much of the land was feudal lords who were relatives of the Zhou family.
  • Period: 221 BCE to 206 BCE

    Qin (221 to 206)

    The beginning of the Chinese Empire, Shi Huangdi became the first Chinese Emperor. Although this was a short dynasty much was accomplished including the beginning of the Great Wall; standards were set for weights , measures, and money ; many roads and canals were built; and a single type of writing was used throughout the country. all of these advancements would be used in future dynasties to make china strong.
  • Period: 206 BCE to 220

    Han (206BC to 220AD)

    The Han dynasty established the evil service to create a strong and organized government. Paper and porcelain were also invented during this time. The Han also embraced Confucianism, poetry, and literature.
  • Period: 222 to 581

    six dynasties (222 to 581 AD)

    A period of time where China was not united under a single leader.
  • Period: 589 to 618

    Sui (589 to 618 AD)

    The Sui unite china again under one rule. They also expanded the Great Wall Of China and built the Grand Canal.
  • Period: 618 to 907

    Tang (618 to 907)

    A period of peace and prosperity, the Tang rule is sometimes known as the Golden Age of Anceint China. Arts, literature, and technology all flourish. The capital city Chang'an becomes the worlds largest city.
  • Period: 907 to 960

    Five dynasties (907 to 960)

    A peasant rebellion takes down the Tang dynasty and ushers in a period of division.
  • Period: 960 to 1279

    Song (960 to 1279)

    Reunited under the Song, China becomes a world leader in science and technology including inventions such as gunpowder and the compass.
  • Period: 1279 to 1368

    Yuan (1279 to 1368)

    After the Mongols defeated the Song in a long war, Kublai, a Mongol leader, established the Yuan dynasty.
  • Period: 1368 to

    Ming (1368 to 1644)

    The last of the great Chinese dynasties, the Ming finished the Great Wall and built the forbidden city, an enormous palace for the Emperor. The Ming came into power by overthrowing the rule of the Mongols.