Zhou!

=Zhou Dynasty (1100-221B.C.)=


 * Highlights:**

The Zhou Dynasty, the longest dynasty in Chinese history, began as a nomadic tribe that wandered all over ancient China. They eventually settled in the Wei River and became vassals to the Shang dynasty. Over time, they grew more powerful than the Shang and eventually otherthrew them militarily. Because the two groups essentially melded together, much of the Shang's culture was adpted by the Zhou. The Zhou however implemented their own feudal form of government with a religious hierarchy that matched it. They established the the ruler of China would be granted the Mandate of Heaven, the God given right to rule.

The Zhou Dynasty is divided into two periods: the Western Zhou period (1100-771B.C.) and the Eastern Zhou period (770-221B.C.).

The Eastern Zhou Dynasty is then divided into two periods: the Spring and Autumn period (770-476B.C.) and the Warring States period (478-221B.C.).

The shift from the Eastern Zhou period to the Western Zhou period is marked by a move in capital due to barbarian invasions.


 * Key Figures:

Zhou Wu Wang, A.K.A. King Wu, was the first ruler of the Chinese Zhou Dynasty. King Wu upheld his father's dream and gathered military prowess to overthrow the previously established Shang dynasty. **

Sources:

Heavans, The. "Zhou Dynasty." Oracle ThinkQuest Library. http://library.thinkquest.org/12255/library/dynasty/zhou.html (accessed February 24, 2010).

"Zhou." Minnesota State University, Mankato. http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/china/ancient_china/zhou.html (accessed February 23, 2010).