Western Zhou (state)
State of Western Zhou 西周 | |
---|---|
440 BCE–256 BCE | |
Status | Duchy |
Capital | Henan Wangcheng |
Common languages | Old Chinese |
Government | Monarchy |
History | |
• Established | 440 BCE |
• Annexed by Qin | 256 BCE |
Western Zhou (Chinese: 西周) was an ancient Chinese state during the Warring States period. Its capital was Henan (河南), located just west of present-day Luoyang, a prefecture-level city in Henan Province.[1]
Duchy of Western Zhou was established by Prince Jie (王子揭) in 440 BC. After the King Kao of Zhou successfully ascended the throne, Prince Jie (aka ), a younger brother of King Kao was given a fief centred on Henan.[1][2]
Since 367 BC, Duchy of Eastern Zhou won independence from Western Zhou. The two tiny duchies attacked on each other.[3] The kings of Zhou had lost almost all political and military power, even their remaining crown land was occupied by the two tiny duchies.
Western Zhou was attacked by Qin in 256 BC, just after King Nan of Zhou plotted with the states of Chu and Yan for a failed joint expedition against Qin.[4] surrendered, but was released by king of Qin. In the same year, both Duke Wu and King Nan died. Qin deposed the last duke of Western Zhou and exiled him to Zhonghu (忠狐, located just northwest of present-day Ruzhou), the duchy was annexed by Qin.[5]
List of Duke of Western Zhou[]
Name | Given name | Reign | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
(西周桓公) | Jie (揭) | 440–415 BC | son of King Zhending of Zhou |
(西周威公) | Zao (竈) | 414–367 BC | son of Duke Huan |
(西周惠公) | Chao (朝) or Zai (宰) | 366 BC–? | son of Duke Wei |
(西周武公) | unknown | ?–256 BC | son of Duke Hui |
(西周文公) | Jiu (咎) | 256 BC | son of Duke Wu last duke of Western Zhou |
References[]
- ^ a b Cihai (small print edition) (5th ed.). Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House. p. 2211. ISBN 7-5326-0630-9.
- ^ 河南通史 (in Chinese). he nan ren min chu ban she. 2005. p. 376. ISBN 9787215049857.
- ^ Cihai (small print edition) (5th ed.). Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House. p. 56. ISBN 7-5326-0630-9.
- ^ Zhongguo jun shi tong shi (in Chinese). Vol. 3. Jun shi ke xue chu ban she. 1998. p. 289. ISBN 9787801371034.
- ^ 河南通史 (in Chinese). he nan ren min chu ban she. 2005. p. 380. ISBN 9787215049857.
- Ancient Chinese states
- 5th-century BC establishments
- 3rd-century BC disestablishments
- States and territories disestablished in the 3rd century BC
- States and territories established in the 5th century BC