Western Zhou

Western Zhou was a state in North China (East Asia) that lasted from 1046 to 771 BCE, about 275 years. Its people spoke Chinese languages (Sinitic languages).

The Zhou overthrew the Shang at Muye and justified it with the Mandate of Heaven. They ruled through relatives given fiefs, until nomads and rebels sacked the capital in 771 BCE.

See Western Zhou on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates

1046 to 771 BCE

Duration

275 years

Type

State

Region

North China, East Asia

Language family

Chinese

Capital

Haojing (near Xi'an)

Came from

• Shang dynasty c. 1600 to 1046 BCE

Became

• Eastern Zhou 770 to 256 BCE

Events in East Asia during its time

• 1046 BCE Battle of Muye

Neighbours in East Asia

• Shang dynasty c. 1600 to 1046 BCE
• Chu c. 1030 to 223 BCE
• Shu kingdom (Jinsha) c. 1150 to 316 BCE
• Qi c. 1046 to 221 BCE
• Yan c. 1046 to 222 BCE
• Lu c. 1042 to 249 BCE
• Jin (Zhou state) c. 1033 to 376 BCE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

• Carthage c. 814 to 146 BCE, North and West Africa
• Greek city-states c. 800 to 338 BCE, Europe
• Neo-Assyrian Empire 911 to 609 BCE, Middle East

Questions