Western Zhou1046–771 BC

Western Zhou: Timeline of Events (1046–771 BC)

Enfeoffment and the clan system; capital at Haojing

Events in this period

• King Wu Defeats Zhou (Battle of Muye)1046 BC

  In 1046 BC King Wu of Zhou and his allies fought the Shang at Muye; the Shang troops turned their weapons, King Zhou burned himself, and the Shang fell and the Western Zhou began.

• Western Zhou Enfeoffment SystemEarly Western Zhou

  The Western Zhou enfeoffed kinsmen and meritorious officials as lords across the land, forming the ranks of king, lord, senior official and scholar-gentleman.

• Uprising of the Capital Dwellers841 BC

  In 841 BC King Li of Zhou monopolized the resources of forests and waters and silenced criticism, provoking an uprising of the capital's people; he fled, and the “Gonghe Regency” followed.