Religion

During the Zhou dynasty the main religion was Confucianism. Confucianism meant that all people must respect and obey those who are above them. This belief was important because it taught people to behave properly. Fathers, husbands and older siblings would set a good example for others to follow. Confucius (the Creator of Confucianism) wanted to teach men good character and to work and fair government officials. This was a great way to rule because if the people where ruled harshly and were to commit a crime they will try to avoid punishment. They would not end up feeling any sense of shame. Another popular religion is called legalism. People who followed legalism thought that most people were naturally selfish. This was a terrible religion to follow because this teaches people that others should never be trusted. In life you need to trust others to accomplish great things. That is why Confucianism was a strong and stable religion during the Zhou dynasty.

The Invention Of The Kite

      The kite was invented in China during the Zhou dynasty. This was an important invention of the time period because it had many uses. It was entertaining, it could be used for fishing and messaging. It was also used to help prisoners escape jail. The kite strings would fly over them and revolt an escape.
     The kite was created by Kungshu P'an and was first used to send messages. prior to the invention people had a lot of difficulty communicating. When Kungshu P'an created the kite he was thinking about a bird. It was mostly flown in warm weather. Another man named Mo Ti also made a kite but it took him three years to perfect it. Kites were famous to traditional Chinese stores in the fifth century.
      Kites have really changed people's lives in many ways. For example it provides entertainment for children. It made it easier to communicate and catch food. The kite also made musical sounds when it was flying in the air. The invention of the kite made life easier for the people in China.

Interview with the Duke Of Zhou

Interviewer: Hello, How are you?
Duke: Great thank you. How about yourself?
Interviewer: Good. Thanks. How have you dealt with you brothers passing lately?
Duke: It has been quite hard. The people of China really adored my brother. He was an amazing leader. Our family has just been trying to take it one day at a time.
Interviewer: I have heard that you are becoming the new regent of the Zhou dynasty. What are some of your ideas about how you will rule China?
Duke: I am going to put the future of China and it's people first. I will also focus on education.
Interviewer: Do you believe that when Cheng you brother son becomes old enough to rule he will be ready?
Duke: Yes. He will be very well educated on the responsibilities he will have as he grows older. He will also have my support and advice when he needs it.
Interviewer: Thank for you time. Good luck!
Duke: Thank you.

New Regent Of The Zhou Dynasty

           Six years after King Wu's victory over the Shang he passed away. His son Cheng was too young to become emperor so his brother became regent. Many people think that the Duke of Zhou is not educated on how to rule a country. They think China's future is at stake. The Duke will be a just and able ruler. He was admired by the people and confuionists. But the people argue that he has no experience about how to run an empire and that he will not know exactly what he is doing. The Duke of Zhou is a well educated and experience person. He will put the future of China first and help try to improve the country.

Warring States Period

            The warring states has become a time of competition between some of the states of China. The states Qi, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei and Qin are all currently at war with each other. The rulers of each state have taken over smaller villages and strengthened their rule. There have been a series of events taken place all around China lately that have made the states Qi and Qin two of the more dominate states. But the Qin becomes more powerful each day. They are well supported by the people. The Qin's goal is to unify China if they have the chance to become the new empire.
            The Zhou dynasty is becoming less powerful. The people argue that King Li Wang is cruel and has set strict rules and regulations to follow. The people are thinking about an national rebellion to de-thrown the strict emperor. The warring states is a time of fighting and competition.

Maps of Eastern and Western Zhou

   

This map shows the Earstern Zhou dynasty lasting from 770BC-221BC. The highlighted part of the map represents the Eastrern Zhou dynasty. The dotted line shows modern day China.The dynasty was split into two by historians because of the locations of the capitols. During the eastern Zhou dynasty Xuan jiu moved the capital to Luoyi. Luoyi is located north of the Luo river.

   

This map represents the Western Zhou Dynasty lasting from 1046-771BCE. The highlighted shows the land that belonged to the Zhou. The dotted line shows the modern day China. During the western Zhou dynasty king Wu was the ruler. He built his capitol near Chang'an on the banks of the Wei river. The capitol was a perfect square. That measured three miles. It was called Haojing