Ancient China was ruled by emperors for thousands of years.
Xia
The first official dynasty of ancient China
Shang
The first recognized dynasty of ancient China
Zhou
This dynasty saw the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period.
Qin
It started with the first emperor.
Han
This one gets a lot of press, for good reason. It was dynamic and far-reaching and cultural and lots of other things, in addition to being in power twice.
Wei
Dominated by Cao Cao and his struggle to control the Three Kingdoms
Shu
Another Three Kingdoms dynasty
Wu
Sun Quan's territory and one of the Three Kingdoms vying for supremacy
Jin
First of the Six Dynasties, founded by the Sima family
Southern Dynasties
(Early) Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen
Northern Dynasties
Three Weis, a Qi, and a Zhou,
Sui
Short-lived dynasty that managed a brief reunification
Tang
The high point of ancient China, according to many
Five Dynasties
Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou
Ten Kingdoms
(Another) Wu, Wuyue, Min, Chu, Southern Han, Former Shu, Later Shu, Jingnan, Southern Tang, and Northern Han
Song
Northern and then Southern, twin success stories
Liao
Into the Middle Ages
The Great Wall
It is one of the world's enduring wonders. Find out more about this epic building project.
Chinese Dynasties
All of 'em are here, in a handy but long scrollable webpage. The detail isn't great, but you get the big picture by scrolling through this fascinating part of history.
Timeline of Chinese History
Includes links to relevant dynasties and military history.
Maps of Ancient China
Lists maps from various sources, tracing the development of Chinese civilization and military history.
The Warring States of Ancient China
A fascinating part of history, this period is brought to life at this fascinating site.
The Rise of Ancient China
Well-detailed treatment of the rise of China, from river civilization to Asian powerhouse.
Chinese Military History
The story of ancient China is full of wars and battles, exotic weapons, and terrible treatment of prisoners.
Chinese Inventions
Some of today's everyday items are centuries old.
