Chinese civilization arose in the Yellow River basin, and the successive dynasties of Yin (Shang) and Zhou laid the foundations of China.
Development of the Yellow River Civilization
- Around 3000 BCE: Agricultural civilization in the middle reaches of the Yellow River (Painted Pottery Culture and Yangshao Culture)
- Around 2000 BCE: Beginning of the use of bronze vessels and writing (oracle-bone script)
Yin (Shang) Dynasty (around 1600–1046 BCE)
- Oracle-bone script: Records of divination carved on turtle shells and ox bones → the oldest form of Chinese writing
- Peak of bronze civilization
- Theocratic government: The king combined religious rites and political rule
The Zhou Dynasty and the Feudal System
Around 1046 BCE, Zhou (King Wu) destroyed Yin. Zhou established a feudal system (giving land to feudal lords and having them govern it).
771 BCE: The invasion of the Quanrong (a northern people) caused Zhou to move its capital to Luoyi (Luoyang) → the period of Eastern Zhou (the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods).
“Rites and music” (ceremonies and music) were made the basis of government and influenced later Confucian thought.
Around 1046 BCE, Zhou (King Wu) destroyed Yin. Zhou established a feudal system (giving land to feudal lords and having them govern it).
771 BCE: The invasion of the Quanrong (a northern people) caused Zhou to move its capital to Luoyi (Luoyang) → the period of Eastern Zhou (the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods).
“Rites and music” (ceremonies and music) were made the basis of government and influenced later Confucian thought.
Key Points
- Oracle-bone script → origin of Chinese characters
- Zhou’s feudal system → cause of the division of power among feudal lords during the later Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods
- The move to the Eastern Zhou capital (771 BCE) marks the beginning of the “Spring and Autumn period.”
Practice Questions
- What was the oldest form of Chinese writing used during the Yin Dynasty?
- State the name and content of the governing system adopted by the Zhou Dynasty.
- State the cause of Zhou’s move of its capital in 771 BCE and the destination.
Answers
- Oracle-bone script
- Feudal system. The king gave land (fiefs) to feudal lords, who performed military service and paid tribute.
- The invasion of a northern people (the Quanrong). The capital was moved to Luoyi (Luoyang).