Imperial China
One of history's longest continuous civilizations, from the Xia dynasty through the Qing, inventor of paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass.
Key Facts
Great Wall of China
Silk Road trade
Four Great Inventions
Key Events
Confucius Active
Confucius teaches his philosophy of ethics, social relationships, and government that will shape East Asian civilization for millennia.
Sun Tzu Writes The Art of War
Sun Tzu composes The Art of War, the most influential military treatise ever written, still studied by military leaders and business strategists.
Qin Shi Huang Unifies China
Qin Shi Huang conquers all Warring States and becomes the first Emperor of unified China. He standardizes writing, currency, weights, and begins the Great Wall.
Silk Road Trade Opens
Zhang Qian's missions open the Silk Road, connecting Han China with Rome through Central Asia. Goods, ideas, and religions flow across continents.
Tang Dynasty Golden Age
Emperor Xuanzong presides over the pinnacle of Tang culture — Chang'an becomes the world's largest city (1 million), and Chinese poetry, art, and music reach their zenith.