Warring States China: Map & History
The Warring States period in Chinese history comprises the final centuries of the Zhou dynasty, which were characterized by warfare, bureaucratic and military reform, and political consolidation.
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The Warring States period in Chinese history comprises the final centuries of the Zhou dynasty, which were characterized by warfare, bureaucratic and military reform, and political consolidation. It followed the Spring and Autumn period and concluded with the wars of conquest that saw the state of Qin annex each of the other contender states by 221 BC and found the Qin dynasty, the first imperial dynastic state in East Asian history. It saw developments in philosophy, commerce, agriculture, the arts, and society at large.
Modern Countries Once Part of Warring States China
At its mapped extent, Warring States China covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
States and Provinces
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Warring States China's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Warring States China in Depth
History
The Eastern Zhou dynasty began its fall around the 5th century BC. As their influence waned, they had to rely on armies in allied states rather than their own military force. Hundreds of smaller polities coalesced into seven major states which included Chu, Han, Qin, Wei, Yan, Qi and Zhao. However, there eventually was a shift in alliances because each state's ruler wanted independence. This caused hundreds of wars between 535 and 286 BC. The victorious state would have overall rule and control in China.
The system of feudal states created by the Western Zhou dynasty underwent enormous changes after 771 BC with the flight of the Zhou court to modern-day Luoyang and the diminution of its relevance and power.
Military theory and practice
The Warring States period required solutions to issues relating to politics and war. During this time, there existed hundreds of scholarly individuals who would wander from state to state, eager to peddle ideas to rulers "anxious over the perilous condition of their countries and the weakness of their armies." These rulers would compete these scholars for advice over how to manage their armies, which would shock kings, dukes, and others. This, however, was a dangerous profession; if the advice given worked, they would be rewarded with high positions, but if the advice given failed, they would be tortured to death via being sawed in half, minced, or torn apart by chariots. Rewards were offered to devote men to giving their talent towards government, diplomacy, and military affairs.
Culture and society
The Warring States period saw the rise of economical activities, the exchanges of various materials (e.g. gold and copper,) pottery, and weapons. It also saw a large demand for weapons, and as a result, led to the advancement of metalworking and the usage of iron. Artists were able to produce more profound artwork, mastering the use of jade and lacquer. Improvements in agriculture, tools, and irrigation gave the army their needed supplies and increased productivity amongst the populace. Ironmasters would often employ hundreds in some states, and it soon became a monopoly of the government.
Markets heavily prospered, alongside interstate commerce.
Geography
In the beginning of the Warring States period, however, there were seven powerful states: Qin in the west, Qi in the east, Chu in the south, Yan in the north, and the "Three Jins" of Wei, Han, and Zhao, located in the central region, with Han in the south, Wei in the middle, and Zhao in the north.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Warring States period (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Warring States China: Key Facts
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Facts from Wikidata Q185063 (CC0).
Warring States China Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Warring States China appears, with the other states of the time.
Warring States China Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 1,633,842 km² in 281 BCE.
Warring States China: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Warring States China exist?
Warring States China is dated to 480 BCE – 219 BCE, in the Classical Antiquity era.
How large was Warring States China at its peak?
At its peak in 281 BC Warring States China covered about 1,633,842 km².