4. The early (Western) Zhou period

(1046 BC to 771 BC)

– Meanwhile:

Middle East: the reign of David and Solomon in Jerusalem

Mediterranean region: The first Olympic Games

Carpathian Basin: the appearance of iron, the beginning of the Iron Age

The new dynasty that came to power after the fall of the Shang can be divided into two longer periods, the early and late Zhou period, lasting nearly 800 years. China at this time still consisted of smaller states and city-states of various kings, princes and warlords, over which the reigning monarch exercised only nominal authority. At the same time, China’s economy and handicrafts continued to develop, and urbanisation became more substantial. In 771 BC, the last emperor of the early (western) Zhou period, following a barbarian attack from the north, abandoned the western capital of Chang’an and moved his court to the eastern capital of Luoyang.