Western Zhou Craftsmen

This is a Quizhong Hu bronze vessel which was one of the many vessels made by the craftsmen in Ancient Western Zhou. The craftmen made all sorts of vessels, tools and weapons. Creating vessels were their main product until around 750 B.C. where they created the first metal coins which replaced the cowrie shells that were used as exchange. Then around 700 B.C. the Zhou craftsmen learned to heat high enough temperatures to mealt iron ore. They invented cast iron by adding carbon to the iron while it was still melting. This really helped since iron is much stronger then other metals like bronze.

The Book of Documents

The Book of Documents is China's oldest written history which was recorded during The Western Zhou Dynasty. It is about the first Chinese kings and rulers, these tales were both mythical and true. It also contains a speech given by the Duke of Zhou, who was talking about the Mandate of Heaven. Since this speech was recorded in the book of documents, then the rulers of the Xia and Shang dynasties would be remembered as unworthy and bad kings since the duke disliked them.

Map of Zhou

The area shaded in yellow above is showing all the territory that was taken over by The Zhou Dynasty which ran from 1045 B.C.-256 B.C. the capital city of the Zhou was Hao which was built near Changan or modern day Xian.