why did the zhou dynasty last so long

There are several reasons why the Zhou dynasty lasted so long: Centralized government: The Zhou dynasty had a centralized system of government, with a powerful ruler at its head, which allowed for effective administration and control over a large territory. The final battles were said to have been extremely bloody, and Shang survivors may well have served as Chinese culture bearers to places as far removed as Korea. After 540 wars were fought over two centuries, only fifteen states remained by 475 BCE (see Map \(\PageIndex{2}\)). Stated more simply, Warring States Period rulers created administrative units and a civil service. During Confucius's lifetime in the Spring and Autumn Period, Zhou kings had little power, and much administrative responsibility and de-facto political strength was wielded by rulers of smaller domains and local community leaders. This manual of military strategy and tactics stresses the importance of formulating a strategy that ensures victory prior to any campaigning. Hence, it is hardly surprising that many lords ceased to pay visits to the kings court. Zhou, Wade-Giles romanization Chou, also called Zi Zhou, or Dixin, (born early 11th century? The Zhou dynasty had formally collapsed only 35 years earlier, although the dynasty had only nominal power at that point. The principal purpose of these Daoists was to attend to a persons physical and psychological well-being. The Dao is mysterious: it is beyond sense-perception and yet the source of life and the universe, the ultimate truth transcending the polarities that make up life and yet pervades them, empty and yet the mother of all things. Men farmed, and women spun cloth. Second, they issued proclamations explaining to conquered peoples why they should accept Zhou rule. 'enfeoffment and establishment') was a political ideology and governance system in ancient China, whose social structure formed a decentralized system of confederation -like government [1] based on the ruling class consisting of the Son of Heaven (king) and nobles, and the lower class consisting of . That was the state of Qin [cheen]. The definition of the Way was broadened to include the idea that individuals have a spiritual essence in need of harmonizing and liberation. Lacquerware including gold and silver inlay became finely developed, and bronzework carried on from the great legacy of the Shang. It followed the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE), whose cultural contributions it developed, and . What little we know about his life comes primarily from the Analects, a record of conversations Confucius held with his students compiled after he died. His and his successors power was, however, much reduced. Rather than give those posts to kinsmen, kings appointed men from the lower ranks of the nobility or commoners based on their loyalty and merit. Lords of the seven most powerful states lost respect for the Zhou kings and even assumed the same title, thus claiming the right to unify all of China under their rule. Yet, it would be wrong to conclude that he wasnt religious in any sense, because he frequently spoke of Heaven. 841 BCE - 828 BCE. )%2F04%253A_China_and_East_Asia_to_the_Ming_Dynasty%2F4.07%253A_The_Long_Zhou_Dynasty_(1046-_256_BCE), \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}}}\) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\), 4.6: China from Neolithic Village Settlements to the Shang Kingdom, 4.8: The Qin Dynasty and the Transition from Ancient to Imperial China, University System of Georgia via GALILEO Open Learning Materials, 4.7.1: The Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 771 BCE), 4.7.2: The Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 256 BCE) and the Warring States Period (c. 475 221 BCE), 4.7.3: Philosophy in a Time of Turmoil: Confucianism and Daoism, 4.7.3.2: Philosophical and Institutional Daoism, http://brandonqindynasty.weebly.com/9/8580061.jpeg, status page at https://status.libretexts.org. Instead, he gained an avid following of 70 students, whom he accepted regardless of their social status. . The emperor and administrator in Han Dynasty studied why Qin Dynasty was so short-lived. 5. Even he did not dare to take the ultimate move released by the Wu Ji patriarch head-on, let alone Gu Mingzhou. Legal. The Zhou Dynasty (1045-221 BC) saw China grow, fracture into states, then unite in imperialism. To his mind, he was living at a time when civilization was collapsing and society was decaying. What little we know about his life comes primarily from the Analects, a record of conversations Confucius held with his students compiled after he died. Stratagem is critical. The Warring States period ended in 221 BCE when the Qin ruler defeated the remaining states and unified the former Zhou realm, initiating a new period in Chinas history. Many of its members were Shang, who were sometimes forcibly transported to new Zhou to produce the bronze ritual objects which were then sold and distributed across the lands, symbolizing Zhou legitimacy.[38]. In the early centuries of Zhou rule, during the Western Zhou (1046 771 BCE), Zhou kings dispatched kinsmen to territories he granted to them (see Map \(\PageIndex{1}\)). After the Xia and Shang, the next major dynasty in Chinese history is the Zhou Dynasty (1045 256 BCE). Those who belonged to it are Confuciansindividuals distinguished by their commitment to the ideas articulated by Confucius, classical learning, and the value they place on character and conduct as the key to a good society and political order. (ed. The Great Wall of China's history began in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), was first completed in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), and was last rebuilt as a defense in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Rather, they pointed to a natural condition that both individuals and society can recover, one that existed before desires trapped people in a world of strife. During the Western Zhou (1046 771 BCE), Zhou kings dispatched kinsmen to territories he granted to them (see Map \(\PageIndex{1}\)). But they fought even more fiercely. There were five peerage ranks below the royal ranks, in descending order with common English translations: gng "duke", hu "marquis", b "count", z "viscount", and nn "baron". However, he only managed to hold some minor offices in Lu and generally failed in his political aspirations. Although (with the exception of a few works on silk) no painting survives from the Zhou, written descriptions of paintings evidence their themes, including figures, portraits, and historic scenes. He saw the practice of morality in the family as the root. [41][42] According to Tao (1934: 1731), "the Tsung-fa or descent line system has the following characteristics: patrilineal descent, patrilineal succession, patriarchate, sib-exogamy, and primogeniture"[43]. As they did so, their lands evolved into powerful states (see Map \(\PageIndex{2}\)). For example, in 771 BCE, King You [yo] was attacked by the allied forces of the lord of Shen and tribal peoples residing out west. Being appointed, they could move from one state to another. These texts explained how the natural world originated from a primordial ether (qi) and its division into two polar forces: the yin and yang (see Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\)). Eventually, a Daoist church developed, with its own ordained priesthood, temples, and monasteries. These hegemons periodically convened interstate meetings to manage such matters as misbehaving states or foreign invasions. These jobs came to symbolize proper order in society. Confucius was born to a family of minor nobility and modest means in the feudal state of Lu. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.. The Zhou Dynasty is divided into two periods: the Western Zhou (11th century BC to 771 BC) and the Eastern Zhou (770 BC - 221 BC). The early Western Zhou supported a strong army, split into two major units: "the Six Armies of the west" and "the Eight Armies of Chengzhou". It was not until the Dong Zhou and the classical age of Confucius and Laozi that unique local traditions became apparent. They used this Mandate to justify their overthrow of the Shang, and their . This political theory, which is known as the Mandate of Heaven, would also be used by founders of later dynasties to justify their actions, as well as by theorists to explain the rise and fall of dynasties. After he died, they passed on his teachings, and a school of thought emerged from his teachings known as Confucianism. [17][e] The Zhou emulated extensively Shang cultural practices, perhaps to legitimize their own rule,[20] and became the successors to Shang culture. The Sui Dynasty was a short, intense dynasty, with great conquests and achievements, such as the Grand Canal and the rebuilding of the Great Wall. At this point, the many lords had no intention of toppling the king; rather, seeing his military weakness, the most powerful ones stepped in to enforce order. The first qualification for a ruler or one who serves is moral rectitude. The Zhou Dynasty was the longest-lasting dynasty in Chinese history. But over time, Zhou kings lost their ability to control these lords, and the lords became increasingly independent. The principal purpose of these Daoists was to attend to a persons physical and psychological well-being. The military control of China by the royal house, surnamed Ji, lasted initially from 1046 until 771 BC for a period known as the Western Zhou, and the political sphere of influence it created continued well into the Eastern Zhou period for another 500 years. He thought that a golden age existed in the past and wished to transmit the ethical values of that time. This dynasty was the longest in Chinese history. The greatest Chinese philosophers, those who made the greatest impact on later generations of Chinese, were Confucius, founder of Confucianism, and Laozi, founder of Taoism. The armies campaigned in the northern Loess Plateau, modern Ningxia and the Yellow River floodplain. King You was killed by the Quanrong when Haojing was sacked. [21] At the same time, the Zhou may also have been connected to the Xirong, a broadly defined cultural group to the west of the Shang, which the Shang regarded as tributaries. One is to create a unified dynasty, and the other is to make the name of a country exclusive to the nation for the first time. As a vassal of the Shang kings Wu Yi and Wen Ding, Jili went to conquer several Xirong tribes before being treacherously killed by Shang forces. His father died about the time Confucius was born, and he was raised by his mother, who also passed away when Confucius was young. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The establishment date of 1046 BC is supported by the XiaShangZhou Chronology Project and David Pankenier,[5] but David Nivison and Edward L. Shaughnessy date the establishment to 1045 BC.[6][7]. The Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE) was among the most culturally significant of the early Chinese dynasties and the longest lasting of any in China's history. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Master Sun was a military commander and strategist who served the lords of the state of Wu just prior to the onset of the Warring States period (c. fifth century BCE). According to one passage, a lord once asked one of Confuciuss students about his master, but the student fell silent. Their embryonic bureaucracies included such features as a system of official posts, salaries paid in grain and gifts, administrative codes, and methods for measuring a servants performance. Consequently, society will become more orderly. The "Mandate of Heaven" is an ancient Chinese philosophical concept, which originated during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 B.C.E.). To mobilize large numbers of men for war and supply them with weapons and grain, kings devised ways to make their realms more productive and compliant with their will. There was also a great philosophical flowering: the schools of Confucianism, Daoism, and legalism developed in that period. Attending lords cemented their agreements by swearing oaths and drinking the blood of sacrificed animals. We return to that topic after reviewing the ideas put forward by philosophers in the context of these centuries of turmoil. Like other young men of similar background, he had access to an education and could aspire to serve in some capacity in a feudal state, perhaps at the lords court, or as an official or soldier. The magistrates job would be to register the population, maintain law and order, collect tax revenue, and conscript people for labor projects and military campaigns. By so doing, ones health would be preserved and life prolonged. This official document defined times for undertaking agricultural activities and celebrating rituals. Over time, ties of kinship lost their meaning. Qin's unification of China concluded in 221 BC with Qin Shihuang's annexation of Qi. Instead, this warrior nobility engaged in an escalating contest for power and prestige. Over the next two centuries, this title changed hands several times. Especially Qin Shihuang and Han Wudi. It persisted all the way from the 11th to the 3rd century BC. But this goal wont be accomplished through more seeking and more knowledge. After the move, the Zhou dynasty was weakened even more by a threat from within. (The line of Zhou kings had, however, already been extinguished in 256 BCE, so that date marks the end of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.). Large bronzes were cast to commemorate these occasions (see Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)). In about 771 b.c., the enemies attacked the Zhou capital of Hao. It lasted for over 800 years and included the reigns of 37 emperors. The duke passed over his two elder sons Taibo and Zhongyong to favor the younger Jili, a warrior in his own right. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zhou-dynasty, World History Encyclopedia - Zhou Dynasty, Ancient Origins - The Zhou Dynasty: The Longest-Lasting Dynasty in Chinese History, Social Science LibreTexts Library - The Long Zhou Dynasty (1046- 256 BCE), Zhou dynasty - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Daoist masters, claiming divine inspiration, composed esoteric texts for their followers that explained how the natural world originated from a primordial ether (qi) and its division into two polar forces: the yin and yang (see Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\)). Large bronzes were cast to commemorate these occasions (see Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)). He saw the practice of morality in the family as the root. To achieve these goals, techniques were developed, including special dietary regimens, yoga, Chinese boxing, meditation, and alchemy. The noble person is concerned with rightness, the small person is concerned with profit. (4.16) Confucius redefined the meaning of nobility. Like other young men of similar background, he had access to education and could aspire to serve in some capacity in a feudal state, perhaps at the lords court, or as an official or soldier. In the first years of the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 B.C. Tai later led the clan from Bin to Zhou, an area in the Wei River valley of modern-day Qishan County. The Zhou dynasty (Chinese: ; pinyin: Zhu [o]; Old Chinese (B&S): *tiw[4]) was a royal dynasty of China (1046 BC 256 BC) that followed the Shang dynasty. Historians believe the Old Master was a fictional sage invented by Warring States Period philosophers who compiled the book attributed to him. Having lasted 789 years, the Zhou dynasty was the longest dynastic regime in Chinese history. Then, King Wu returned to his capital in the Wei River Valley, where he passed away in 1043 BCE. Burgeoning turmoil also inspired much thinking about what was needful to restore order and create a good society, as well as what defined the good life. From there, these illustrious lineages governed a predominantly rural population of farmers living in villages where life was not easy. The Mandate determines whether an emperor of China is sufficiently virtuous to rule. He believed that a golden age existed in the past and wished to transmit the ethical values of that time. In 1046 BCE, a Zhou king overthrew the last Shang ruler and established control over much of north China. If he does not fulfill his obligations as emperor, then he loses the Mandate and thus, the right to be emperor. In 1046, with three-hundred chariots and 45,000 foot soldiers equipped with bronze armor and pole-mounted dagger-axes, he met and decisively defeated the last Shang king and his army. This page titled 4.7: The Long Zhou Dynasty (1046- 256 BCE) is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by George Israel (University System of Georgia via GALILEO Open Learning Materials) . This was King Wen (Cultured King), a ruler revered as the founder of the Zhou dynasty. [35] When King You demoted and exiled his Jiang queen in favor of the beautiful commoner Bao Si, the disgraced queen's father the Marquis of Shen joined with Zeng and the Quanrong barbarians to sack Hao in 771 BC. 1. They found that to make a empire beloved by its people, you should be nice to them. Eventually, the noble lords of the most powerful states also declared themselves kings, and fought to gain control over all of China. The decline of Zhou Dynasty was mainly caused by the corruption of the government. Iron, ox-drawn plows, crossbows, and horseback riding were all introduced; large-scale irrigation and water-control projects were also instituted for the first time, greatly increasing the crop yield of the North China Plain. A series of states rose to prominence before each falling in turn, and Zhou was a minor player in most of these conflicts. Brashier writes in his book "Ancestral Memory in Early China" about the tsung-fa system of patrilineal primogeniture: "The greater lineage, if it has survived, is the direct succession from father to eldest son and is not defined via the collateral shifts of the lesser lineages. Under this system, it was the prerogative of spiritual authority to withdraw support from any wayward ruler and to find another, more worthy one. Noble lords loved to demonstrate their prowess and raise their prestige through success in hunting and battling. It succeeded the Qin dynasty (221-207 bce). Although Wu's early death left a young and inexperienced heir, the Duke of Zhou assisted his nephew King Cheng in consolidating royal power. Centralization became more necessary as the states began to war among themselves and decentralization encouraged more war. For him, nobility was defined not by birth but rather by character and conduct. Daoist masters, claiming divine inspiration, composed esoteric texts for their followers. [] According to the Zou commentary, the son of heaven divided land among his feudal lords, his feudal lords divided the land among their dependent families and so forth down the pecking order to the officers who had their dependent kin and the commoners who "each had his apportioned relations and all had their graded precedence""[44], This type of unilineal descent-group later became the model of the Korean family through the influence of Neo-Confucianism, as Zhu Xi and others advocated its re-establishment in China.[45]. During this time, some of Chinas greatest military treatises were written, most notably the Art of War by Master Sun [sue-in]. However, with the onset of the Warring States Period in the fifth century BCE, the level of violence was no longer contained by the hegemon system and codes of chivalry. The stability of that arrangement lasted some 200 years before it began to collapse with the increasing local interests of the 20 or more feudal lords. In the context of his time, Confucius was a dynamic individual who believed he was mandated by Heaven to return the world to a more socially and politically harmonious time. Now, the Zhou royal court was faced with the task of governing newly conquered territory, including the former lands of the Shang Dynasty. In using this creed, the Zhou rulers had to acknowledge that any group of rulers, even they themselves, could be ousted if they lost the mandate of heaven because of improper practices. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The Shang dynasty had begun with wise and benevolent rulers, but later kings were cruel and incompetent, and failed to see to the well-being of their subjects. The Zhou dynasty also spans the period in which the written script evolved from the oracle script and bronze script into the seal script, and then finally into an almost-modern form with the use of an archaic clerical script that emerged during the late Warring States period.

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