Zhou dynasty and the Mandate of Heaven
The Zhou overthrew the Shang and justified rule through the Mandate of Heaven: a king keeps authority only while he governs justly.
Humanity
115 events across three thousand years — chosen to be multi-regional and honest about uncertainty. Follow a thread to trace one capability through time, or filter by region and kind.
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Chronology
Zhou dynasty and the Mandate of Heaven
The Zhou overthrew the Shang and justified rule through the Mandate of Heaven: a king keeps authority only while he governs justly.
The Han dynasty builds the scholar-state
The Han adopted Confucianism as state ideology, founded an imperial academy, and selected officials by examination — government by educated merit.