Asian Studies

Mythology says that Chinese history originates from Pangu, believed to be the creator of the universe, and goes through a period of legendary culture heroes and sage emperors who taught the ancient Chinese how to communicate and establish a livelihood by making shelter and clothing. Many archeological findings show that the Shang dynasty was establish after a rebel leader overthrew the final Xia ruler between 1700 and 1027 B.C. Major phases of civilization were based on agriculture as well as animal husbandry and hunting (Ancient Dynasties, n.d).

Two major events that occurred in this period include the discovery of the writing system and the use of bronze metallurgy as evidenced by Chinese inscriptions on cattle bones and tortoise shells. Crops such as millet, wheat and rice were grown using bronze metal which were also used as weapons. The Shang divided the society into upper and middle class, and its military were armed with horses and chariots. The ChouZhou dynasty conquered the Shang dynasty and some of their philosophies that gained popularity during this time include Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Zhou rulers invaded the Shang dynasty due to its immorality as well as disregard to timely sacrifices. Due to this, mud and thorny brambles rained for ten days, witches and ghosts appeared at night, and women turned into men (Ancient Dynasties, n.d).

In addition, Zhou decentralized its rule where tribal organizations, which depended on family ties, took control of the society. During later years, centralized control on political and economic institutions was manifested by routine taxation on agriculture and control on local government. Iron was discovered and it led to food surplus which resulted to high population growth. Many scholars of this period begun to strive for knowledge through philosophy, which led to an era called The One Hundred Schools of Thought.