Beginning of the Spring and Autumn Period

Name: Beginning of the Spring and Autumn Period
Start: -770
End: -476

Type Event Region China Time -770–-476

Traditional historiography dates the Spring and Autumn period from King Ping's eastward move in 770 BCE to 476 BCE, 295 years in all.

Timeline

-770Luoyi · HenanAfter King Ping of Zhou moved east to Luoyi, the royal house's directly ruled territory and military strength greatly diminished, its leverage over the lords weakened, and the old order of 'rites, music, expeditions, and punishments issuing from the Son of Heaven' began to loosen, entering a new stage of interstate politics.
c. -700–-500Central Plains · Central PlainsMajor states such as Qi, Jin, Chu, and Qin rose in succession, producing hegemons like Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin, who maintained order among the lords through alliances and military campaigns; the Zhou king became a mere symbol, and the Spring and Autumn pattern of hegemonic rivalry gradually took shape.
-722–-476State of Lu · ShandongThe Spring and Autumn Annals compiled by Lu state historians became a model for later chronicles, and 'Spring and Autumn' thereby became the name of the period. The tradition that Confucius edited the Annals further endowed the era with profound cultural significance.