Zhou Dynasty ruled China from about 1046 BCE to 256 BCE, making it the longest-lasting Chinese dynasty. It followed the Shang Dynasty and introduced new ideas about leadership.

One key idea was the “Mandate of Heaven,” which explained that rulers had the right to govern if they ruled well. During this time, thinkers such as Confucius taught ideas about behavior and society. The period also included the Warring States era, when regions fought for control.

Iron tools became more common, and farming expanded. The dynasty is divided into Western and Eastern Zhou periods in historical records.