Zhou 周 dynasty

The period of the Zhou dynasty represents an important part of the Chinese history. The first well-known philosophers and historians of China are attributed to the Zhou Dynasty as well as the first classical literary works. These literary works are formative for Chinese culture and are generally referred to as the "Five Classics" (无尽) which are: shujing (书 经; Book of Documents), shijing (诗经; Classic of Poetry), chunqiu (春秋; Spring and Autumn Annals), yijing (易经; Book of Changes) and liji (礼记; Book of Rites).

The name "Zhou" refers to a tribe whose center of life and interest was based on agriculture. This aspect reflects the beginning of sedentarism. For this reason, palaces, temples, administration and other features, which are characteristic for a sedentary population, emerged. Under the reign of “King” Wen 文, the father of King Wu 武 (the founder of the Zhou dynasty), a civilizational strength emerged in the society, with many other tribes gaining recognition.

The Zhou dynasty can be divided into a western Zhou dynasty (capital in present-day Xi'an 西安), and an eastern Zhou dynasty (capital in present-day Luoyang 洛阳 市). The Eastern Zhou dynasty (770-256 BC) is also divided into the period of the spring and autumn annals (chunqiu shidai 春秋 时代) and the period of the Warring States (zhanguo shidai 战国 时代). At the end of the Zhou dynasty the ultimate victory belongs to the state of Qin 秦, which then founded the first "official" dynasty in Chinese historiography. The name “China” can be traced back to this state.

The political system of the Zhou dynasty in general was characterized by its division into three regions, which were administered by governors. These served to control the individual principalities, which functioned as vassal states.

Censors (daifu 大夫) were used to organize the (state) victims, the administration and the military. The principle of the Theory of the heavenly mandate (tianming 天命) continued to emerge. In the course of time, the royal family then lost prestige and strength, whereupon the vassals saw themselves strengthened in their striving for independence. An additional consequence was that the rite system lost its effectiveness.

During the Zhou dynasty, one of the most important philosophers in Chinese history, Confucius (551-479; Kong Zi 孔子), announced his theachings. According to him, every subject had known his certain place in the world All-under-Heaven and should act in accordance to this function. Other philosophers who lived during the time of the Zhou dynasty included Laozi 老子(6th century BC), Mengzi 孟子 (390-305) and Zhuangzi 庄子 (379-286).

Regarding the "arts" of the Western Zhou, various archaeological findings have been preserved. It is noticeable that the bronze vessels contained more elaborate patterns, especially in terms of animal patterns. Findings from the time of the Zhou dynasty reflect a deepening of religious and cultic understanding. Rites, ceremonial music and dance seemed to be given greater attention to, which is why today's researchers assume that the social structure of these former times actually represented a patriarchal society. Communication with heaven and the ancestors became very important part in the social life. Therefore, the court music was not only used for entertainment, but also praised the earlier kings and the original emperors. In this respect, the Zhou dynasty represents the first height of Chinese civilization and culture.