Classical Antiquity
Zhou Dynasty
1046 BC – 256 BC · peak 800 BC
The Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC) succeeded the Shang and introduced the Mandate of Heaven as a principle of political legitimacy. The Western Zhou maintained a feudal order from Haojing, while the Eastern Zhou fragmented during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. In this setting, Confucius, Laozi and Sun Tzu flourished, profoundly shaping Chinese civilization.
Capital: Haojing / Luoyi
Battles in this period
Trade routes in use
- Amber Road (1500 BC – 500 AD)
- Incense Route (1000 BC – 400 AD)
- Persian Royal Road (500 BC – 300 BC)
- Phoenician Mediterranean Routes (1100 BC – 300 BC)