Zhou Dynasty(1045-256 B.C.)
The early part of the Zhou Dynasty was called the Western Zhou. Eventually, as the empire expanded eastward, the center of the empire was shifted east to create what was known as Eastern Zhou. The original center of the empire was is the Yellow River Valley. Once the empire started moving eastward, the new capital was placed in an area near what is now called Luoyang. The empire started as one but soon fragmented into smaller kingdoms. Then, in 481 B.C. the fragments became known as an empire of Warring States. These dynasties remained divided and in constant internal dissent until the Qin Dynasty reunited the Warring States.
Rise of the Zhou Dynasty(1045-256 B.C.)
The Zhou Dynasty started as a small town and the point of the Wei River Valley. These people must have thought nothing of their small town at the time. But little did they know that this was the beginning of the world's longest standing dynasty. Soon enough, this little town was transformed into the center for their rapidly growing influence and power. This steady rise to power and control eventually climaxed with the overthrow of the Shang Dynasty.
The Mandate of Heaven
The Doctrine Mandate of Heaven was a set of beliefs thought by the people of the Zhou Dynasty. Overall, the Mandate of Heaven mainly says that whoever is leader of the empire was placed in that position by the will of God. They also believed that there is only one God and Heaven and the kings were his sons.
The Mandate of Heaven is based of four key parts:
1. The only right to rule must be granted by heaven.
2. There may only be one ruler because there is only one heaven.
3. The right to rule is not limited by one dynasty only.
4. The right to rule is base on the virtue of the ruler.
These key parts give the leader supreme power. This also gives the ruler prestige and religious importance. But, the rulers' power must always be kept in check by virtue, or their moral standards.
This is why this empire was call the Celestial Empire. It was protected by the Mandate of Heaven and it has been the only Chinese dynasty to last longer than 800 years.
http://china.mrdonn.org/mandateofheaven.html
The Mandate of Heaven is based of four key parts:
1. The only right to rule must be granted by heaven.
2. There may only be one ruler because there is only one heaven.
3. The right to rule is not limited by one dynasty only.
4. The right to rule is base on the virtue of the ruler.
These key parts give the leader supreme power. This also gives the ruler prestige and religious importance. But, the rulers' power must always be kept in check by virtue, or their moral standards.
This is why this empire was call the Celestial Empire. It was protected by the Mandate of Heaven and it has been the only Chinese dynasty to last longer than 800 years.
http://china.mrdonn.org/mandateofheaven.html
New Worship
The rule of the Zhou family heralded, signaled, many changes for the empire. Quite a few of those changes were so popular that the still mark China today. In divination(seeking knowledge of the future), and religious practices, human sacrifices in burials and rites were lessened as a new way of worship.
The birth of Confucianism happened during this time also. The Zhou Dynasty has been considered the golden age for Chinese Philosophy. This was also the era that Confucius was born(551-479 B.C.). Confucianism eventually turned into one of the most persuasive thoughts/doctrines the world has ever seem. Confucianism teachers neither of a God or talk of the afterlife. Instead, it preaches ways to live one's life with honor in duty. Confucius believed that heaven and afterlife were beyond the understanding of humans so one should instead concentrate one doing the right thing in this life.
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Confucianism.html
Another religion sparked during this time too. Philosopher, Lao Tsu, who taught of a naturalistic "path of life" founded the religion of Taoism. Taoism centered on three jewels: compassion, moderation, and humility.
http://www.taoism.net
The birth of Confucianism happened during this time also. The Zhou Dynasty has been considered the golden age for Chinese Philosophy. This was also the era that Confucius was born(551-479 B.C.). Confucianism eventually turned into one of the most persuasive thoughts/doctrines the world has ever seem. Confucianism teachers neither of a God or talk of the afterlife. Instead, it preaches ways to live one's life with honor in duty. Confucius believed that heaven and afterlife were beyond the understanding of humans so one should instead concentrate one doing the right thing in this life.
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Confucianism.html
Another religion sparked during this time too. Philosopher, Lao Tsu, who taught of a naturalistic "path of life" founded the religion of Taoism. Taoism centered on three jewels: compassion, moderation, and humility.
http://www.taoism.net
Growth of the Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty grew greatly in agriculture. Eventually, the agriculture and technology improved enough to make agricultural produce China's main food source instead of livestock or game. Because of the agricultural advancements, hunting became a sport and ceased necessity. These advancements have come from the form of using a field grid pattern.. Field grids allowed farmers to make better and more efficient use of land. And soon enough this made irrigation easier and more systematic also.
The Iron Dynasty
During the Zhou Dynasty, the use of iron became very popular. Iron was used for almost everything. They made helpful tools from iron to improve methods. They also devised iron instruments to be used on animal drawn plows. It is believed that the advancement in technology pertaining iron, at the time, had exceeded that of European religions. The Zhou Dynasty learned how to make cast iron a century before anyone is Europe! Agricultural advancements were certainly greater due to the help of iron. But, iron brought other improvements besides just agriculture. The army's strength was greatly increased with new weapons and protective gear that was able to be created out of iron. This discovery of iron was very helpful in expanding the already vast reach of the empire.
Zhou Writings & Poetry
During the Zhou Dynasty, recordings and documentation in history became very pronounced. Many Greta historical literary pieces came from the Zhou Dynasty, such as the Book of Documentation and the Classic of Poetry. The Book of Documentation was the first book written about Chinese history. Classic of Poetry is a vast collection of poems. Some of these poems date back as early as 1000 B.C. Also, the Zhou Li(Zhou Rituals) were written during this time also. The rituals told the duties of man and the honorable ways to carry out these duties.
http://totallyhistory.com/zhou-dynasty-1045-256-bc/
http://totallyhistory.com/zhou-dynasty-1045-256-bc/