The Art of War

c.1700-c.1027 B.C. The Shang Dynasty is the first documented Chinese civilization. Cities are built,
and writing and techniques of bronze metallurgy are developed.
c.1027 The Chou Dynasty begins. The golden age of Chinese philosophy, including the works of
Confucius and Lao Tze, it will last until 221 B.C. The first part of the Chou Dynasty, known as the
Western Chou Dynasty, will last until 772 B.C., when the Chinese rulers are forced east by barbarians
from the north; the king is killed, but his son establishes a new capital at Loyang.
772 The Eastern Chou Dynasty begins; its first part, the Spring and Autumn period, is a time of
continuous wars for survival among many small city-states. The Chou emperor steadily loses power
as the feudal lords realize he can be beaten, as proved by the defeat in the west. By the end of the
Spring and Autumn period (around 481 B.C.) only about a dozen consolidated central states will
remain.
685-643 An early state hegemony is established under Duke Huan of Qi. He introduces new state
institutions such as taxation, a state-funded army, and state ownership of natural resources; he also
establishes an alliance of central states to oppose the power of the large southern kingdom of Chu.
632 A new hegemony of Jin is established under Duke Wen.
c.551 Confucius is born in the northern state of Lu. Over the course of his life, he rises from a
warehouse manager to become one of history’s best-known teachers.
546 The state of Sun, which is bordered by the warring states of Chu and Jin, invites a delegation of
eleven states to sign a nonaggression pact. The peace lasts forty years and gives the larger states a
reprieve from several hundred years of constant war.
544 Sun Wu is born in the state of Chi. Later he will be given the honorific title Sun Tzu, meaning
Master Sun.
514 The rule of King Ho Lu of the state of Wu begins.