the chou dynasty

The Chou Dynasty

1026 B.C – 256 B.C.

Economic Advances

• Skilled craftspeople and merchants increased• Money in the form of small coins was used– People could buy goods without bartering

• Trade expanded and the dynasty became prosperous

Political Theories

• They believed their king was “The Son of Heaven”

• Revolution- The people believed they had the right to overthrow the king if he did not rule justly

Arts and Philosophy

• Chinese characters and writing that is still used today developed

• Philosopher- People who seek wisdom and truth and think about the principles that should guide a person’s life

Confucius

• Lived from 551 BC – 479 BC• Most important figure in

Chinese history• Taught about self-control and

proper conduct– Respect for elders, teachers, and

parents• “Do not do to others what you

do not want them to do to you”

Taoism

• A religion developed by Lao-tzu• To learn the true meaning of life, one must live

simply and in harmony with nature.• Be humble and kind, even when others insult

you• If you follow these steps, you will achieve

inner peace (or Tao)

Lao-Tzu vs. Confucius

• Confucius stressed the importance of government

• Lao-tzu thought less government was better

Era of Warring States

• The last 200 years of the Chou dynasty was known as “The Era of Warring States”

• In 256 B.C., the Ch’in Dynasty took power