Two Zhou Dynasties Western & Eastern Time of Strength & Glory (1150 -770 BC) • • Capital near modern Xian Development of Chinese Feudalism Mandate of Heaven Expansion of Chinese Writing (Books) Time of Weakness & Decay (770 -250 BC) • • • Capital moved to Luoyang King is just a figure head Major periods: “Spring & Autumn Period” and “Warring States Period”
Western Zhou Duke of Zhou (周公旦)
Western Zhou – Innovations Feudalism Mandate of Heaven Wider Use of Writing
Feudalism Kings Nobles Serfs
Mandate of Heaven • Shang Period – kings acted as intermediaries between people and spirits • Zhou Period – kings didn’t actually talk to the but were called “Sons of Heaven” spirits; • Mandate of Heaven 1. 2. 3. 4. The right to rule is granted by Heaven There is only one Heaven therefore there can be only one ruler The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty • Rebellion is always OK if it is successful - because the old ruler obviously lost the Mandate of Heaven !!
Wider Use of Writing
First Books • Book of Documents(书经) • Book of Songs (诗经) • Book of Changes (易经)
Other Important Advances • First metal coins • Major advances in bronze and jade art • Iron technology (many years before the West)