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1000 BCE
Earliest Known Chinese Poems are Composed
The earliest known Chinese poems are thought to have been created about 1000 B.C.. Poetry became a huge part of Chinese culture throughout the next centuries. -
550 BCE
Confucius' Teachings are Recorded in The Analects
Confucius taught about ethical values, such as honesty, loyalty, and respect for others. His teachings were not recorded until after his death, when his disciples wrote them in The Analects. His teachings are the basis for Confucianism, of which the key concepts are humanity, gentlemen, and ritual. -
500 BCE
Lao-Tzu Develops Teachings of Tao Te Ching
Lao-Tzu, founder of Taoism, wrote the Tao Te Ching to express his philosophy. Much of Lao-Tzu's life is a mystery, including whether or not he even existed. His writings are the basis of Taoist thought and have had a lasting influence on the world. The teachings of Taoism are an important part of Chinese culture and history. -
500 BCE
The Shih Ching (Book of Odes) is Compiled
The Book of Odes was the first anthology of Chinese poetry compiled. Poetry was extremely popular in ancient China and became a huge part of the culture. -
330 BCE
The Chuang Tzu is Written
Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu wrote the Chuang Tzu. He believed all living things were equal and his writings strongly reflected that idea. -
85 BCE
Records of the Historian is Written
Ssu-ma Ch'ien wrote Records of the Historian to record China's history during Wu Ti's reign. This set the stage for the documentation of history in China. -
100
The First Chinese Dictionary is Compiled
The first dictionary in Chinese history was compiled in A.D. 100 by Shyu-Shen. The author's son then presented the dictionary to the emperor 21 years later. -
May 11, 868
Diamond Sutra is Published
Diamond Sutra was the first Chinese book with a printed date. It was a Buddhist book that emphasized the practice of non-abiding and non-attachment.
