Explore the political upheavals, legendary hegemons, and pivotal battles that shaped ancient China during the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BCE). From the collapse of the Western Zhou to the rise of the Warring States, witness the transformation of Chinese civilization.
Jin state is formally partitioned among three families (Han, Wei, Zhao), marking the definitive transition to the Warring States period.
End of the final hegemony of the Spring and Autumn period.
The Zuo Zhuan chronicle concludes its coverage, having documented over 250 years of political and military history.
Traditional end of the Spring and Autumn period, marking the transition to the Warring States period with increased warfare and political fragmentation.
Death of King HelΓΌ marks the end of Wu's hegemony and the rise of Yue.
King Goujian of Yue establishes the final hegemony of the Spring and Autumn period.
King HelΓΌ of Wu establishes Wu's brief but significant hegemony in eastern China.
Attempt to reduce interstate warfare through diplomacy fails, highlighting the increasing militarization of the period.
Wu state first appears as a significant player in interstate politics, challenging traditional power structures.
Jin state begins to split into six powerful ministerial families, weakening central authority and foreshadowing later partition.
Death of King Zhuang of Chu ends Chu's period of hegemony, leading to renewed interstate competition.
King Zhuang of Chu (ζ₯θη) establishes Chu's dominance over central and southern China, challenging northern states.
Death of Duke Wen of Jin ends Jin's first period of hegemony, leading to renewed competition among major states.
Major battle between Jin and Chu forces. Jin's victory solidifies Duke Wen of Jin's position as hegemon and demonstrates the military prowess of Jin.
Duke Wen of Jin (ζζε ¬) rises to power and establishes Jin's hegemony, officially recognized by Zhou kings in 632 BCE.
Death of Duke Huan of Qi ends the first great hegemony. Qi's power begins to decline as other states compete for dominance.
Duke Huan of Qi (ι½ζ‘ε ¬) establishes the first great hegemony of the Spring and Autumn period, officially rewarded by Zhou kings in 679 BCE.
The Zuo Zhuan historical chronicle begins its detailed coverage of political, diplomatic, and military affairs of this period.
Traditional start of the Spring and Autumn period. Zhou dynasty continues but with greatly diminished power, leading to competition among vassal states.
Quanrong invasion destroys Western Zhou capital. Zhou court moves east to Luoyi, beginning the Eastern Zhou period and loss of central authority.