The Dynasties of China 

The Chinese history of imperial dynasties covers an extended period of time from 221 BC till 1911 AD. 

Chinese history may be divided into three periods: 1. Pre-imperial China (the dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou up to 221 BC); 2. Imperial China (Qin Dynasty 221 BC - Qing Dynasty 1911);); 3. New China (1911 – modern time).

Travel China Guide - Time Line for China History and Dynasties


China, under eight powerful dynasties:

  1. Qin
  2. Han - The Han Dynasty ruled China from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D. and was the second imperial dynasty of China. Though tainted by deadly dramas within the royal court, it is also known for promoting Confucianism as the state religion and opening the Silk Road trade route to Europe, permanently altering the course of Chinese history. Han Dynasty art and inventions like paper still influence the world today.


Sui,

Tan,

Song,

Yuan,

Ming and

Qing,

developed into one of the world’s strongest countries, becoming the leader in the Asian Continent.

The first dynasty of China was the Xia Dynasty, which is believed to have ruled from around 2100 BCE to 1600 BCE. However, the existence of the Xia Dynasty is debated by historians and archaeologists, and there needs to be more concrete evidence to support its existence.

Following the Xia Dynasty, the Shang Dynasty emerged, ruling from around 1600 BCE to 1046 BCE. The Shang Dynasty was known for its advances in bronze metallurgy, agriculture, and writing, and it is considered the first verified dynasty in Chinese history. The Shang Dynasty was followed by the Zhou Dynasty, which ruled from 1046 BCE to 256 BCE and was divided into two periods, the Western Zhou and the Eastern Zhou.

The development of China as a single integrated country started under emperor Qin Shi Huang Di (221 BC), who united seven Chinese kingdoms and conquered many adjacent territories. However, Qin Shi Huang Di is famous not only for his political services to China but also for his well-known Terracotta Army, which has been protecting the entrance to his shrine for almost 2,000 years

The Qin Dynasty

Before the Qin dynasty was the Zhou dynasty which rose to power In 1046 BCE when the Zhou King Wu fought and defeated the Shang at the Battle of Muye. Zhou Dynasty ruled for over 700 years (1046-226 BCE), in a loose controlled state in which they progressively had less and less control. 

By 771, the Zhou kings were just religious figureheads presiding over mostly independent states. These kings could only sit and watch as the states warred against each other, with larger states consuming smaller ones. Around 334 BCE some of the stronger states began to break away from the Zhou. By then, Zhou rulers had lost all power in China.

The Rise of the Xin Dynasty 356 BC


The ruler Xiagong (361-337 B.C.) Was the head of one of the Chinese states under the ruling Zhou.
His rise in strength and status made him feel powerful enough to call himself emperor rather than duke.

His chief minister Lord Shang changed the system of hereditary nobility by developing a new hierarchical system based on military ability.
He began a military draft for men beginning at age 15.

A superior militarised regime ensured pre-eminence in the balance of power.















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