Ancient China

Ancient China encompasses the early dynasties and regional states that preceded and established the first enduring imperial systems. Shang and Zhou rulers developed political traditions centred on lineage, ritual and royal authority, while warfare, bronze production and agriculture supported increasingly complex states.

During the later Zhou period, competing states expanded bureaucratic government and military organisation as thinkers associated with Confucianism, Daoism and other schools debated ethics and political order. Qin unification in 221 BCE created the first centralised empire, followed by the longer-lasting Han dynasty.