Royal University of Law and Economics

Group 9

Present: Zhou Dynasty

Chan RaksmeyKeo ChamroeunHong Panha

Content Zhou dynasty overview

• The mandate of heaven

• Political organization

• Zhou division classes

Eastern Zhou

Spring and Autume Period

• 5 overlords that declare their hegemony

Warring state period

• The Seven Overlords in the Warring States Period

• The end of warring states period

Zhou Dynasty Overview

The Zhou dynasty was founded by King Wen of the Jifamily in 1076 BC, after the Shang dynasty came to an end

The dynasty was also the beginning of China’s Iron Age. The Iron Age influenced future leaders to use military force and to introduce the Mandate of Heaven

Zhou Dynasty

One of the early, main themes in ancient China is the Mandate of Heaven*. It started during the Zhou when rulers were claiming to be “Sons of Gods”.

Many different groups of people were following many different rulers, and that each of those leaders were considered a god.

Use the Mandate of Heaven to justify their power

* The "Mandate of Heaven" is an ancient

Chinese concept, which originated during

the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE). The

Mandate determines whether an emperor of

China is good enough to rule; if he does not

fulfill his obligations as emperor, then he

loses the Mandate and thus the right to be

emperor.

Political Organization

Use Princes and relatives to rule region

Consequence: weak central government and rise of the regional power

Zhou Division of Classes

King

Nobles

Peasants

Nobles &Military service for

King

Farm the land and serve for

noble

Gives the land to

nobles

Protect the

peasants

Eastern Zhou Dynasty

- Eastern Zhou Dynasty began in 770 BC with the death of king You

- The son of king You, established the dynasty in 770, and moved the capital Luoyi

- Over 25 emperors have reigned over the Eastern Zhou Dynasty

The Eastern Dynasty was a time full of change, marked by scrabble for hegemony by many nations

- The Eastern Dynasty is divided into two periods : the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States period

Spring and Autumn Period

- The Spring and Autumn period began when the capital was moved to Luoyi in 770

- the period was one of turbulence and great changes took place in the economy, military affairs and culture

-when the power ones won, they would force the defeated to follow their rule

• There were 5 overlords that declare their hegemony in succession in this period :

1 Huangong of the Qi State

2 Xianggong of the Song State

3 Wengong of Jin

4 Mugong of the Qin

5 Zhuangwang of Chu

- in the latter part of Spring and Autumn period, two sates, Wu and Yue became even more powerful and contended for overall hegemony

- finally Yue was defeated and submitted to Wu

- however, Gou Jian, the king of Yue, continuously galled by his defeat decided to seek revenge

+ he trained his army, and developed agriculture

- Eventually, Yue State became strong enough and defeated Wu

Warring states period (476BC-221BC)

this period was more turbulence and wars

the more powerful states fight in the war and control the smaller or less power states

At last there are seven powerful states and they lived together without conflict or war.

The Seven Overlords in the Warring States Period

They were Qi, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei and Qin

• First period form 476BC-338BC

the politic was reform and stable in the society

the economics developed quickly

• Second period from 338BC-288BC

the argument as much stronger

Qin claimed the hegemony in the West and Qi in the East

The end of warring states period 221BC

•Qin annexed the other six states and then unified the China and end the terrible warring states period.

Referenceshttp://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/zhou/eastern/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRJ3s34eatw

http://asianhistory.about.com/od/ancientchina/f/What-Is-The-Mandate-Of-Heaven.htm

Thank