551 BCE★★★★★
Confucius, founder of Confucianism, is born in the state of Lu; his teachings shape East Asian culture for over two millennia.
BirthReligionCulture· China
c. 1046 BCE★★★★★
King Wu of Zhou defeats the last Shang king, founding the Zhou, the longest-lasting dynasty in Chinese history.
WarDynasty· China
c. 475 BCE – 221 BCE★★★★★
Seven major states vie for supremacy for over two centuries, an era that also sees the flourishing of the Hundred Schools of Thought.
WarPolitics· China
221 BCE★★★★★
The state of Qin conquers its rivals, ending the Warring States period; Ying Zheng proclaims himself the First Emperor.
DynastyPoliticsWar· China
c. 215 BCE★★★★★
Under Qin Shi Huang, general Meng Tian connects and extends northern walls as a defence against the Xiongnu.
WarTechnology· China
210 BCE★★★★★
The first emperor of unified China dies while on tour; the Qin dynasty collapses within a few years.
DeathPolitics· China