zhou dynasty – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

The Zhou’s contributions to the world

The Zhou Dynasty (appears on the Biblical Timeline from 1122 BC to 256 BC) was one of Ancient China’s most progressive ages. Its progress was directly attributed to the various contributions that they have made in history such as the introduction of Confucianism, as popularized by famous Chinese philosopher Confucius. The Zhou Dynasty also contributed many economic and bureaucratic reforms in Ancient China such as the introduction of a feudal system of government with lords under the Zhou Emperor manning the districts under the territory of the ruling king. Aside from the political system, reforms were also introduced in the aspects of agriculture, craftsmanship and literature during those times. But not all is good in China during the reign of the Zhou Emperors.

Li,Wicked_Ruler_of_China_Zhou_Dynasty — Zhou Dynasty

Tyrant King Li

While the legacy of the Zhou emperors was paved with great achievements and innovations, one emperor dared to be different, in a more negative way. King Li of Zhou (877 BC to 841 BC during the time of the Kings of divided Israel and the founding of Carthage among other world events). The tenth in the line of the Zhou Emperors, darkened the memory of his progressive predecessors due to his pride, conceit and cruelty to his subjects. Li was known throughout history as a tyrant and a corrupt king. He was known to have squandered the wealth of the kingdom by spending lavishly on riches using his subject’s paid taxes. He further aggravated his own reputation when he enacted a new law ordering those who dare to speak against him to be put to death. Fifty one years of harsh rule eventually made its effect on the local citizenry and even with the current emperor’s military forces.

Rebellion

Tired of Li’s despotic rule, citizens and even soldiers of the emperor eventually started a revolt against him. But prior to the impending revolt, Li was earlier warned by one of his ministers that with his law punishing anyone who speaks against him. A lot of the citizens were getting restless despite the forced silence made on them. The minister’s warning eventually came true. When the revolt began, angry citizens immediately rushed to the palace to murder Li. However, the tyrannical (but cowardly) despot fled after hearing reports of the revolution. But while Li successfully fled, his family was murdered by the revolutionaries. Failing to find the tyrant emperor, the angry mob eventually dispersed and the appointed the Dukes of Shao and Zhou to rule over the kingdom. Thus began the period of the Gonghe (“joint harmony”) Regency from 841 BC to 828 BC. It was at this period that China had experienced the same precepts as that of the Republic.

Li’s fate

After fleeing the palace during the revolt, King Li became a wanderer and a fugitive, eventually living in obscurity for years. Unknown to Li, one of his sons, who survived the revolt was in the safe keeping of one of his ministers. Li’s successor, a surviving son, named Xuan, eventually became king after the previous emperor died in exile. Xuan succeeded the popular Gonghe Regency after more than 14 years of rule.

References:
http://chineseaesop.blogspot.com/2012/04/tyrant-king-li-of-zhou-dynasty.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/12255/library/dynasty/zhou.html
http://www.enotes.com/topic/King_Li_of_Zhou
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhou_Dynasty

The Chow Dynasty in China is officially known as the Zhou and it is China’s oldest ruling line in the history of this nation. The Zhou Dynasty ruled from 1046 to 256 B.C. It appears on the Biblical Timeline with World History in the Chinese section during this time. This ruling class helped to shape and influence Chinese culture for thousands of years.

The Zhou Dynasty began to rule China after they defeated the Shang Dynasty which preceded them. Once they established their authority they backed it up by claiming that their right to be in control came from heaven. They came up with a document that gave them the authority to rule it also helped to transform their religious practices. Ancestor worship was a strong component and part of life for the Shang Dynasty and the Zhou wanted to separate from this old regime. So they decided that ancestor worship would become a more universalized process as opposed to worshipping individual family ancestors.

A somewhat mythical emperor named Ku is credited with starting the Zhou Dynasty. He settled his people near the Wei River valley in west-central China. Ku had led a large army across the Yellow River in China to defeat Shang King Di Xin and Zhou rule was established. When the Zhou had originally established their power they formed a centralized government. This type of government didn’t last long when the various princes began to fight and war among themselves for control. Internal strife caused the empire to split into two parts. The Eastern and Western Zhou Empire was the result of the split.

The Eastern Zhou Empire continued to divide and separate until there were many independent states that formed the empire. The Western Zhou remained unified after the split had occurred.

Zhou society was agrarian based and it was similar to Europe’s feudal system. There were the Chinese versions of lords, nobles, warriors, serfs and peasants. Each of these rulers was subject to the emperor. A class of scholars emerged during the 4th century B.C. and Confucius was the most prominent member during this era. He tried to establish a system of government that was based on the virtue between the rulers and servants. Many of the contemporary rulers didn’t want this style of leadership and preferred the old order which allowed those in charge to dominate by authority and force. Confucius works were so prominent that they still influence China in modern times. The rulers and nobles lived in wall cities instead of palaces and many villages were protected inside of these city walls as well. Iron was introduced into China during the reign of the Zhou. This allowed their agrarian society to increase food production and to focus on developing the arts, sciences, and the various philosophies.

Zhou society went into decline in the 2nd century B.C. when the royal line was broken due to problems with the leadership. Many of the noble and lords within the Zhou empire separated themselves into independent states and didn’t try to unify into one government. Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Empire unified China under his rule in 221 B.C. and the Zhou never again rose to power.

References:
http://library.thinkquest.org/12255/library/dynasty/zhou.html
http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/yanglu/ECC_HISTORY_ZHOU%20DYNASTY.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhou_Dynasty
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/zhou/
http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/essays/cot/t3w10zhoudynasty.htm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Warring_States_350_BC.png

Tag: zhou dynasty

Li Evil Ruler of China 877 BC

China, Chou or Zhou Dynasty of