Ancient Chinese History 8500 1046 BC: Uncovering the Fascinating History of China

The Prehistoric Origins

The ancient Chinese civilization has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Its roots can be traced back to a time long before written records began, around 8500 BC. During this prehistoric period, the Chinese people lived in small tribal communities and relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance.

The Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 BC)

The Xia Dynasty is considered the first official dynasty of ancient China. It is said to have been founded by Yu the Great, who established a centralized government and initiated important agricultural reforms. However, due to limited archaeological evidence, some historians debate whether the Xia Dynasty actually existed or if it is just a legendary era.

The Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC)

The Shang Dynasty followed the Xia Dynasty and is a well-documented period of ancient Chinese history. It marked the rise of a complex social system, advancements in bronze technology, and the development of a distinctive writing system known as oracle bone script. The Shang Dynasty also witnessed the construction of impressive palaces, cities, and royal tombs.

From Heaven to Earth: Ancient Chinese History, 8500 - 1046 BC (A History of China Book 1)

by Greg Strandberg (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6460 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	206 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	400 pages
Item Weight	:	1.19 pounds

FREE

... (repeat the

and

structure for each main section of the article)

The Fall of the Shang Dynasty and the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC)

During the late Shang Dynasty, political instability and deteriorating social conditions led to the rise of the Zhou Dynasty. This period saw the transition from a feudal society to a more centralized administration. The Zhou Dynasty further divided into two separate periods – the Western Zhou (1046-771 BC) and the Eastern Zhou (770-256 BC). The latter witnessed the emergence of great philosophical thinkers, such as Confucius and Laozi (the founder of Daoism).

The ancient Chinese history between 8500 and 1046 BC is a captivating journey that showcases the gradual development of one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations. From the prehistoric origins through the Xia, Shang, and Zhou Dynasties, China underwent significant social, cultural, and technological transformations. Exploring this history allows us to understand the profound influence of ancient China on the world we live in today.

From Heaven to Earth: Ancient Chinese History, 8500 - 1046 BC (A History of China Book 1)

by Greg Strandberg (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6460 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	206 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	400 pages
Item Weight	:	1.19 pounds

FREE

Where did China come from? What is China’s history? How did China become one of the leading countries of today?

Those are great questions, and not always easy to answer. To do so you need to go back to the dawn of time and the very first people that came to ancient China.

These ancient cultures existed as long as 10,000 years ago and they’d form the basis for the first Chinese dynasty in 2070 BC, the Xia Dynasty.

Long before that, however, there were ancient myths and beliefs. These include the Creation Myths and Great Flood Myth of China as well as many more. They involve a myriad of ancient gods and deities, such as the Jade Emperor, Shangdi, the Yellow Emperor, and Nuwu.

Sometimes the individuals from those myths would lead men on earth. Yes, it was a strange time 5,000 years ago and even earlier, and to the Chinese back then and today these mythical people were real and walked the earth. Their stories are told here.

The Mandate of Heaven

A simple idea began even before the first dynasties, an idea that Heaven allowed individuals to rule only when they were just and benevolent. When they were not, large-scale environmental disasters would occur and their reigns would be marked by debauchery and excess. This was seen at both the end of the Xia Dynasty and the Shang Dynasty.

Always a new group of leaders would emerge, leaders not afraid to do what was right and rule with the people’s interests at heart. This Mandate of Heaven idea would continue well into the subsequent centuries as the Zhou Dynasty consolidated its power. But a common theme had already emerged, one that was almost cyclical in its nature.

A family would come to power on the heels of an old, one that had lost the Mandate of Heaven to rule. This change was often seen long beforehand with natural disasters, strange phenomenon, and terrible acts of barbarity. Yet after a period of time those same just and benevolent rulers would see their line diluted with the taint that had so afflicted that which had come before. The process would repeat itself, time and time again.

The Historiography of Ancient China

Wars were fought, lives were lived and loves were lost in ancient China, and yet we barely know it today. All of this happened before 1060 BC and most of it is a mystery to those in the West, and even to modern Chinese.

After all, China launched the Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project in 1996 to better study these ancient times. In reality they rewrote most histories involving these ancient peoples that preceded the Han Chinese. They did this to cement their superior place in the world. Ever since 2000 their version of events has been read by the nation’s school children, not necessarily the history that really happened.

This isn’t shocking, for anyone that’s studied ancient Chinese history knows that this was done before, most notably after Qin Shi Huang took power following the Warring States period of Chinese history in 221 BC. And unlike the XSZ Project, this ancient Chinese emperor didn’t just change history, he burned it and anyone talking about it.

Thankfully records were saved. The house where Confucius lived gives us some of the sources we use, for they were holed-up in a wall there to escape the burning of records so long ago.

All of that of course precedes our own ancient history of China. To better understand the country at the forefront of the world today we have to go back to the very beginnings. Do that with From Heaven to Earth and learn why so many throughout the ages have been mesmerized by this foreign land.