China's Dynasties

China has had a bunch of dynasties since the beginning of their civilization.

  • Xia Dynasty -- Semi-mythological, no contemporary records.
  • Shang Dynasty (1600 BC - ~1000 BC)
  • Zhou Dynasty (~1000 ~ ~200 BC) -- longest dynasty in Chinese history, lasted ~800 years.
    • Western Zhou (~1000BC - 771 BC) -- more "virtuous", notable person is the Duke of Zhou, who served as regent for his nephew and didn't usurp.
    • Eastern Zhou (770 BC - ~250 BC) -- more "despotic", which is why people considered the Mandate of Heaven to be gone later.
  • Qin Dynasty -- the dynasty of the First Emperor.
  • Han Dynasty
  • Tang Dynasty
  • The Five Dynasties period happened after the Tang dynasty, staying for ~80 years before the Song took over.
  • Song Dynasty
  • Yuan Dynasty
  • Ming Dynasty
  • Qing Dynasty

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