The Eastern Zhou (/dʒoʊ/; c. 770–256 BC) is a period in Chinese history comprising the latter half of the Zhou dynasty, following the Western Zhou era and the royal court's relocation eastward from Fenghao to Chengzhou (near present-day Luoyang). The Eastern Zhou was characterised by the weakened authority of the Ji family, the Zhou royal house. It is subdivided into two parts: the Spring and Autumn period (c. 770 – c. 481 or 476 BC), during which the ancient aristocracy still held power in a large number of separate polities, and the Warring States period (c. 481 or 476 – 221 BC), which saw the consolidation of territory and escalation of interstate warfare and administrative sophistication.
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Eastern Zhou dynasty in the context of Seven Warring States
The Seven Warring States or Seven Kingdoms (traditional Chinese: 戰國七雄; simplified Chinese: 战国七雄; pinyin: zhàn guó qī xióng) were the seven leading hegemonic states during the Warring States period (c. 475 to 221 BC) of ancient China:
- Han (韓/韩), defeated by Qin in 230 BCE
- Zhao (趙/赵), defeated by Qin in 228 BCE
- Wei (魏), defeated by Qin in 225 BCE
- Chu (楚), defeated by Qin in 223 BCE
- Yan (燕), defeated by Qin in 222 BCE
- Qi (齊/齐), defeated by Qin in 221 BCE
- Qin (秦)
During the Eastern Zhou dynasty, the weakened Zhou central sovereignty quickly lost control of its confederate vassal states, and the numerous autonomous states began overreaching and expanding their political ambitions via diplomacy and warfare, sparking a period of chaotic conflicts known as the Spring and Autumn period. After most of the smaller, weaker states were conquered and annexed by larger states, the geopolitical landscape eventually became dominated by seven most powerful states, and wars became increasingly pitched and violent. Over the Warring States period, many of the seven states underwent bureaucratic and military reforms in order to mobilise resources on a greater scale. This led to an intensification of warfare over the period, but also led to significant economic and cultural developments.
Eastern Zhou dynasty in the context of Nine Schools of Thought
The Nine Schools of Thought were the primary schools during the Hundred Schools of Thought period of China during the Eastern Zhou dynasty.
They were:
Eastern Zhou dynasty in the context of Wangcheng (Zhou dynasty)
Wangcheng was an ancient Chinese city located beside the ceremonial eastern capital of Luoyi during the Zhou dynasty. It was constructed in 1021 BC on the model of the earlier and larger Chengzhou 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) to its east. It was the primary capital of the Eastern Zhou dynasty between 771 and 510 BC.
The Eastern Han dynasty also chose the location in AD 25 as the site of its capital Luoyang, which was built over the earlier Zhou city. The ruins of Wangcheng have been partially excavated and are visible in modern Luoyang's Wangcheng Park.