Life and writings of Confucius

Timeline

1. c. -551–-497Qufu · ShandongConfucius was born in Zouyi in the state of Lu. As a youth he loved studying ritual and music; in middle age he took office in Lu, serving as magistrate of Zhongdu and as minister of justice, among other posts. He advocated dismantling the Three Fortified Cities to reform the political order, but left Lu after falling out with the powerful minister Ji Hua.
2. -497–-484State of Wei · Central PlainsConfucius led his disciples through the states of Wei, Chen, Cai, Chu, and others for fourteen years, promoting benevolent government and the restoration of ritual through self-restraint. Though repeatedly beset by hardship, he attracted many disciples, and Confucian thought spread among the states.
3. -484–-479Qufu · ShandongIn his later years Confucius returned to Lu, where he taught with three thousand disciples. According to tradition, he edited the Odes, settled the ritual, commented on the Changes, and compiled the Spring and Autumn Annals, organizing ancient documents and laying the foundation for the Confucian canon. He died in Lu in 479 BCE.