CHINESE CIVILISATION

Chinese civilization is one of the world's oldest and most enduring, with a continuous history stretching back over 5,000 years. It is often described as the "Cradle of the East," characterized by its deep-rooted philosophical traditions, unique writing system, and a cyclical pattern of dynastic rise and fall.

The Foundations (c. 7000 – 1046 BCE)

Chinese civilization first emerged in the Yellow River Valley (the "Mother River"), where fertile loess soil supported early agriculture.

Neolithic Roots: Early cultures like the Yangshao and Longshan transitioned from hunter-gatherers to settled farmers growing millet and rice.

The First Dynasties:  

• Xia Dynasty: (2070 - 1600 BC)>The first dynasty in traditional historiography. Often considered semi-mythical, it represents the first organized state. Established by Yu The Great.
• Shang Dynasty: (1600 - 1046 BC) > Also known as the Yin Dynasty. The first with archaeological proof (oracle bones). They developed bronze casting and the earliest form of Chinese writing.

The Golden Ages & Imperial Era (1046 BCE – 1911 CE)

History is traditionally viewed through the Dynastic Cycle, where a family gains the Mandate of Heaven to rule until they become corrupt, leading to natural disasters and rebellion.

Zhou (1046-256 BC) - Confucianism and Daoism

• Western Zhou (1046 - 771 BC)
• Eastern Zhou (771-256 BC)

Qin (221 - 207 BC) : First unification of China under Qin Shi Huang, began the construction of the Great Wall. 

Han (202 BC - 220 AD) : established the Silk Road, invented paper

• Western CHu (206-202 BC)
• Western Han (202 BC - 9 AD)
• Xin (9-23 AD)
• Eastern Han (25-220 AD)

Three Kingdoms  (220 - 180 AD)

• Cao wei, Shu Han and Eastern Wu

Jin (266-420 AD)

• Western Jin (266-316 AD)
• Eastern Jin (317 - 420 AD)
• Sixteen Kingdoms (304-439)

Northern and Southern Dynasty (420 - 589 AD)

Sui (581 - 618 AD)

Tang(618-907) : Invented the woodblock printing

• Wu Zhou (690-705)

Five Dynasty and Ten Kingdoms(907-979)

• Liao (916-1125)

Song (960-1279) : invention of gunpowder, compass and first use of paper money.

• Northern Song (960-1127)
• Southern Song (1127-1279)
• Western Xia (1038-1227)
• Jin (1115-1234)

Yuan (1271-1368)

Ming (1368 - 1644) : Construction of Forbidden City, Expedition of Zheng He

Qing (1644 - 1912) : The final Dynasty of China, ended with 1911 Revoution. 

Core Philosophical Pillars

Unlike many Western civilizations, China’s social fabric was built on secular philosophies rather than a single organized religion:

• Confucianism: Focused on social harmony, filial piety (respect for parents), and a meritocratic bureaucracy via the Imperial Examination system.
• Daoism: Emphasized living in harmony with the Dao (the Way) and the balance of Yin and Yang.
• Legalism: Argued for strict laws and absolute state power to maintain order.

Legacy and "The Four Great Inventions"

China’s impact on global history is often summarized by its technological contributions, specifically Compass, Gunpowder, Papermaking, and Printing. These innovations eventually reached the West, fundamentally altering the course of world exploration and warfare.

Google Gemini AI

15 January 2026: 10.32 p.m