The Ancient Chinese History: Unraveling the Fascinating Past from 8500 to 1046 BC

China, a land steeped in rich history and vibrant culture, has a civilization that spans over 5,000 years. Within this vast timeline, the period between 8500 and 1046 BC is particularly intriguing, serving as the foundation for what would eventually become known as Ancient China. Let us embark on a journey through time and explore the captivating history of this ancient era.

The Origins: Neolithic China (8500-2000 BC)

During the Neolithic period, China witnessed remarkable advancements in agriculture, technology, and societal structures. This era can be divided into various phases, each showcasing its own unique characteristics: the Yangshao culture, the Longshan culture, and the Hongshan culture.

The Yangshao culture, lasting from 5000 to 3000 BC, represents a significant leap forward in human civilization. It was during this time that the Chinese people started settling in permanent communities, engaging in agricultural practices, and crafting intricate pottery.

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

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Next, the Longshan culture emerged around 3000 BC, characterized by their distinctive black pottery. This period saw the rise of advanced agricultural techniques, including the use of irrigation systems, as well as the development of complex social structures.

The Hongshan culture, which emerged around 4700 BC, is known for its artistry, particularly the finely carved jade artifacts. This period also witnessed the establishment of a hierarchical social structure, where a ruling elite held power.

The Bronze Age: Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC)

One of the most notable periods in ancient Chinese history is the Shang Dynasty, which played a vital role in shaping the nation's culture, governance, and social systems.

The Shang Dynasty emerged around 1600 BC and moved the capital to Anyang in present-day Henan Province. They were skilled metalworkers, and bronze became a defining aspect of their civilization. The Shang Dynasty marked the transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age and witnessed significant advancements in agriculture, writing, and warfare.

One of the greatest archaeological discoveries that shed light on the Shang Dynasty is the Oracle Bones. These inscribed tortoise shells and animal bones, containing written records of divination practices, provide invaluable insights into the political and religious practices of the time.

Art, Culture, and Philosophy: Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC)

The Zhou Dynasty, which succeeded the Shang Dynasty, marked a significant turning point in ancient Chinese history. It was during this period that several renowned philosophers emerged, including Confucius and Laozi, and the foundations of Chinese philosophy were established.

Art and culture flourished during the Zhou Dynasty, with the development of the Chinese script, calligraphy, and poetry. The era witnessed the creation of some of China's most prized literary works, such as the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents. Moreover, warfare and agriculture saw further advancements, contributing to the prosperity of the empire.

Ancient Chinese history between 8500 and 1046 BC laid the groundwork for the extraordinary civilization that China would become. The Neolithic period introduced agricultural practices, intricate pottery, and remarkable societal structures. The Shang Dynasty brought forth the Bronze Age, with advancements in metalworking, writing, and governance. Finally, the Zhou Dynasty witnessed a flourishing of art, culture, and philosophy, shaping the Chinese civilization as we know it today.

As we delve into the depths of ancient Chinese history, we unravel a tapestry woven with remarkable achievements, profound philosophies, and timeless cultural expressions. The legacy left by this ancient civilization continues to inspire and captivate individuals across the globe, highlighting the importance of understanding and preserving our shared past.

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.