The Zhou Dynasty conquered the Shang Dynasty in 1027 BCE and ruled over China until 256 BCE. They justified their conquest by claiming the Shang had lost the Mandate of Heaven, the divine right to rule granted by the gods. During the long Zhou rule, Chinese culture and technology advanced significantly through ambitious public works and the introduction of iron, money, and early forms of writing. However, over time the Zhou kings lost control of the feudal lords, leading to a period of political unrest and war between states vying for more power and territory.

1. Zhou Dynasty
1027-256 B.C.E
Textbook pages 80-82

2. Zhou Conquers Shang
• 1027- around this time, Zhou replaced Shang
Dynasty
• Zhou defended their attack on the Shang said
the Shang lost the Mandate of Heaven
• Mandate of Heaven: idea that the emperor, the
son of Heaven, has the support of the gods, as
long as he rules correctly

5. Mandate of Heaven
• Chinese myth-
• China’s first ruler thought to be son of the sky god
and an earthly mother
• His kids= Sons of Heaven
• Became an important theory about the right of rulers
to rule
theory= rulers gained power by heaven, and kept
power by governing properly
Natural disasters, famine, war= ruler lost Mandate of
Heaven

6. MANDATE OF HEAVEN

8. Feudal State
• Feudal state similar to Shang
• Land divided into territories, that were ruled by lords

9. China Grows
• Zhou extended Chinese boundaries through
central China
• As far south as Chang Jiang River

11. Social Classes
• Two classes: upper and lower
• Upper class: kings and lords
• Lower class: peasants, merchants, and artisans
• Monarchs acted as priest
• Ancestor worship, important agricultural ceremonies

12. Culture
• Adopted Shang culture, but not as skilled
• But because of Zhou Dynasty’s long rule, Chinese
culture and technology developed to new heights

14. Public Works
• Ambitious public works projects
• Irrigation projects= increased food grown
• Roads & canals= easier travel
• Wall across north= protection from nomadic people
• Bronze making= changes in design
• Iron use= introduced and used for agricultural tools &
military weapons
• Money use= introduced
• Writing= improved; took on its modern character; first
Chinese books written

18. Political Unrest
• Zhou gradually lost control of the kingdom
• Lords rebelled against king
• 770 B.C.E- king fled east & established new capital at
Luoyang
• Zhou kings eventually lost political and military control
• Stayed on as priests
• Lords fought each other, trying to increase territories
• 481- 256 B.C.E.- Warring States period
• Three important schools of thought develop
• Zhou kept power until 256 B.C.E.