Zhou

The longest dynasty in Chinese history. Great age of early Chinese philosophy: Confucius and Laozi both date from this period. The Zhou kings, having conquered the Shang, established a principle of governance called the Mandate of Heaven, meaning that power was bestowed by Heaven and governance was determined by moral quality. The dynasty is usually divided into:

Western Zhou, 11th century-771 BC and
Eastern Zhou, 770-256 BC, divided into:

Spring and Autumn Period, 770-476 BC, and
Warring States Period, 475-221 BC.

See: Chronology Section for details

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