A Journey Through the Warring States Period: Let's Explore This Timeline Together
The Warring States Period, spanning from 475 BC to 221 BC, was a time of chaos and transformation in ancient China. This era was marked by incessant warfare and the rise and fall of states, ultimately leading to the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty. Here are 15 key facts that paint a vivid picture of this tumultuous period.
1. A Long Era of Warfare
The Warring States Period lasted for 254 years, beginning in 475 BC and ending in 221 BC. It was the final chapter of the Zhou Dynasty (1046–221 BC), which itself was divided into three phases: Western Zhou (1046–771 BC), the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC), and finally, the Warring States Period.
2. The Fall of the Zhou Dynasty
The Warring States Period began when nobles withdrew their support for the Zhou Dynasty. The vassal states, granted autonomy through a system of enfeoffment, declared independence and vied for territory, transforming into independent kingdoms.
3. Seven Dominant States
(Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warring_States_period)
By the middle of the Warring States Period, the landscape had consolidated into seven major states: Qin, Chu, Zhao, Wei, Han, Yan, and Qi. Each state controlled significant regions, with Qin in the west, Chu in the south, Zhao in the north, Wei and Han in the center, Yan in the northeast, and Qi in the east.
4. Power Shifts Among States
Initially, Wei and Chu were the strongest states. However, power rankings shifted frequently:
- 403–386 BC: Wei, Chu, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Han, Yan
- 386–381 BC: Chu, Wei, Zhao, Qi, Han, Qin, Yan
- 381–341 BC: Wei, Chu, Qi, Qin, Zhao, Han, Yan
- 341–312 BC: Chu, Qi, Qin, Wei, Zhao, Han, Yan
- 312–284 BC: Qi, Qin, Chu, Zhao, Wei, Yan, Han
- 284–257 BC: Qin, Chu, Zhao, Wei, Yan, Han, Qi
- 257–241 BC: Chu, Qin, Wei, Zhao, Han, Yan, Qi
- 241–221 BC: Qin, Chu, Zhao, Wei, Qi, Yan, Han
5. The Rise of Qin
The state of Qin rose to prominence thanks to the legalist reforms introduced by Shang Yang in 361 BC. These reforms, adopted by Duke Xiao of Qin, established strict rules and a clear political philosophy, transforming Qin into a powerful and efficient state.
6. Qin's Ultimate Victory
Qin's ascension culminated in the unification of China. Ying Zheng, who later became the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, began ruling in 246 BC. By 221 BC, Qin had conquered the remaining states, ending the Warring States Period and founding the first unified Chinese empire.
7. Conquest of the Six States
Ying Zheng's conquest followed a strategic order of difficulty:
- 230 BC: Han
- 228 BC: Zhao
- 226 BC: Yan (initially)
- 225 BC: Wei
- 223 BC: Chu
- 222 BC: Remaining Yan and Zhao territories
- 221 BC: Qi, completing the unification of China
8. The Origin of the Name
The name "Warring States" comes from the historical text "Zhanguoce" ("Strategies of the Warring States"), which chronicles the strategies and events of this era of constant warfare.
9. The Devastating Battle of Changping
One of the most brutal conflicts was the Battle of Changping between Qin and Zhao, resulting in 650,000 casualties. Qin's strategy of feigned retreat led to the annihilation of the Zhao army and significantly weakened Zhao.
10. Rise of Cavalry Warfare
King Wuling of Zhao revolutionized military tactics by introducing cavalry and adopting the nomadic military attire of short clothes with narrow sleeves. This reform strengthened Zhao's military power, making it a formidable force alongside Qin.
11. Philosophical Flourishing
Despite the chaos, the Warring States Period saw the emergence of great philosophers like Mencius, Xunzi, Mozi, and Han Feizi. Their diverse ideas significantly influenced Chinese culture and philosophy.
12. Legalism Takes Root
The philosophy of legalism, which emphasized rule by law, gained prominence during this period. States like Wei, Chu, and Qin adopted legalist ideas, leading to significant reforms and ultimately aiding Qin's unification of China.
13. Advances in Medicine
Bian Que, a renowned physician, developed the four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine: observation, listening, questioning, and pulse feeling. These principles remain foundational in Chinese medicine today.
14. The Prototype Great Wall
To defend against northern nomadic invasions, the states of Qin, Zhao, and Yan built long defensive walls. These walls later formed the basis of the Great Wall of China after Qin's unification.
