Courts, kingdoms & empires
Enter the worlds of the rulers, artisans, thinkers, and communities who shaped ancient East Asia.
Eight histories
from two ancient cultures
The archive
China · c. 2070–1600 BCE
The Xia Dynasty The Xia Dynasty occupies a unique place in Chinese history. Traditionally regarded as the first dynasty of ancient China, it is said to have ruled from approximately 2070 BC to 1600 BC…
China · c. 1600–1046 BCE
The Shang Dynasty The Shang Dynasty was one of the earliest great civilisations of ancient China and the first Chinese dynasty for which extensive written and archaeological evidence survives. It ruled…
China · 1046–256 BCE
The Zhou Dynasty The Zhou Dynasty was one of the most important and influential dynasties in ancient Chinese history. It ruled, at least nominally, from approximately 1046 BC until 256 BC, making it the…
China · 206 BCE–220 CE
The Han Dynasty The Han Dynasty was one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. It ruled China from 206 BC to 220 AD, with a brief interruption between 9 and 23 AD when Wang Mang established…
China · 581–618 CE
The Sui Dynasty The Sui Dynasty was one of the shortest but most important dynasties in Chinese history. It ruled from 581 to 618 AD and reunited China after nearly four centuries of political division…
China · 618–907 CE
The Tang Dynasty The Tang Dynasty was one of the greatest and most influential dynasties in Chinese history. It ruled from 618 to 907 AD and presided over a period of political power, territorial…
China · 221–206 BCE
The Qin Dynasty The Qin Dynasty was one of the shortest yet most transformative dynasties in Chinese history. It ruled from 221 BC to 206 BC and created the first unified imperial state to control most of…
Korea · 668–935 CE
The Goryeo Dynasty of Korea The Goryeo dynasty ruled much of the Korean Peninsula from AD 918 to 1392 and occupies a central place in Korean history. Founded by Wang Geon after the decline of Later Silla…
No histories match your search.