As a citizen of the Zhou confederacy I am part of the longest lasting dynasties in China’s long history. My dynasty, which actually stretched from 1046-256 BC, saw a great deal of changes and advances. The dynasty was even divided into two separate time periods. The West Zhou Dynasty and the East Zhou Dynasty. This was because in 770 the capital was shifted towards the East as it was deemed safer there, as they ocean created a wonderful natural barriers from invaders. The Zhou Dynasty is one of the most interesting times to be alive during. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by great thinkers such as; Mozi, Confucius, Laozi, and Mencius. These great thinkers had a tremendous influence over the morals and values that were established during
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I would imagine that both of their teachings will remain influential in Chinese culture for some time The Zhou Dynasty operated as a feudal system whereas marriages were generally arranged in order to strengthen family ties. These various family units would also be following different customs and beliefs which would often lead to intense conflict, something that ironically both of the thinkers were trying to dissuade. I was fortunate enough to live during the end of the dynasty so that I was able to experience the Warring State Period which saw great technological advances. Iron tools were introduced to us as well as the use of iron weapons. I saw the replacement of chariots with great armies numbering in to the thousands, all mounted on horseback.
The Zhou dynasty also saw a great deal of interesting food. It was a slave society however this also brought in a wide variety of diets. The ruling class began enjoying extravagant feasts. Slaves provided a means to develop proper food preparation and more diet development. Improved farming techniques were brought on through advanced irrigation. This also allowed the Chinese population to grow. The land was cared for by peasants as per order of the feudal system. As the economy grew during the Zhou Dynasty more elaborate banquets were put …show more content…
The Mandate of Heaven was created during the Zhou Dynasty. This mandate was created as a means to explain their overtaking of the Shang Dynasty. The Mandate stated that there was only one legitimate ruler of China and that this particular ruler had also been blessed by the gods. The Duke of Zhou, the ruler of Western Zhou was a great defender and powerful ruler. It was during this time that China moved away from Shangdi and moved toward Tian, or Heaven. While the SHangdi dynasty was filled with a religion that put faith in ghosts and believed in many spirits who represented both good and evil force, the Zhou Dynasty welcomed in a different sort of religion. I am living during a time where religion is taking a very different form. We believe that there are heavenly spirits, earthly forces, and also the power of our ancestors. Our highest priests are; sacrificers, astrologers, diviners, and prayers. Something I enjoy the most as well is that fact that our religious writing has changed. We are now allowed to express ourselves more openly through our poetry and other means as a way to display our feelings about our systems of
I would imagine that both of their teachings will remain influential in Chinese culture for some time The Zhou Dynasty operated as a feudal system whereas marriages were generally arranged in order to strengthen family ties. These various family units would also be following different customs and beliefs which would often lead to intense conflict, something that ironically both of the thinkers were trying to dissuade. I was fortunate enough to live during the end of the dynasty so that I was able to experience the Warring State Period which saw great technological advances. Iron tools were introduced to us as well as the use of iron weapons. I saw the replacement of chariots with great armies numbering in to the thousands, all mounted on horseback.
The Zhou dynasty also saw a great deal of interesting food. It was a slave society however this also brought in a wide variety of diets. The ruling class began enjoying extravagant feasts. Slaves provided a means to develop proper food preparation and more diet development. Improved farming techniques were brought on through advanced irrigation. This also allowed the Chinese population to grow. The land was cared for by peasants as per order of the feudal system. As the economy grew during the Zhou Dynasty more elaborate banquets were put …show more content…
The Mandate of Heaven was created during the Zhou Dynasty. This mandate was created as a means to explain their overtaking of the Shang Dynasty. The Mandate stated that there was only one legitimate ruler of China and that this particular ruler had also been blessed by the gods. The Duke of Zhou, the ruler of Western Zhou was a great defender and powerful ruler. It was during this time that China moved away from Shangdi and moved toward Tian, or Heaven. While the SHangdi dynasty was filled with a religion that put faith in ghosts and believed in many spirits who represented both good and evil force, the Zhou Dynasty welcomed in a different sort of religion. I am living during a time where religion is taking a very different form. We believe that there are heavenly spirits, earthly forces, and also the power of our ancestors. Our highest priests are; sacrificers, astrologers, diviners, and prayers. Something I enjoy the most as well is that fact that our religious writing has changed. We are now allowed to express ourselves more openly through our poetry and other means as a way to display our feelings about our systems of