How the Chou Took the Throne in Ancient China

The narrative of the early Chinese dynasties can be somewhat hard to date but can be outlined with some confidence. Once believed to mythical, the Xia dynasty is accredited as the first dynasty of China. The tribe known as Shang overthrew the Xia around 1600 BCE and were themselves deposed by the Chou around 1045 BCE.

The Chou (also spelt Zhou) was a tribe located from the west of the valley, rising as the Shang’s star was falling. We know from archaeological remains that the Shang state heavily relied on oracles and fortunes. The Shang kings would move their ‘capital’ or cult centres when it was believed they became inauspicious. This was usually by reason of some natural disaster or visitation or an enemy threat.

The origins of the Chou are still under debate but by the 12th century BCE they had established a power base in the valley of the Wei. Before the Shang dynasty fell, King Wu of Chou, who was a vassal of the Shang, called a meeting of the neighbouring dukes. Seeing that the Shang government was in chaos launched an attack on the capitol. In the midst of what is known as the Battle of Muye, the Shang king Di Xin burnt himself to death.

Another reason for the downfall of the Shang dynasty was accredited to Di Xin’s favourite concubine, Daji. She was said to be such a great beauty that the Shang king neglected his duties to keep her company. However, her physical beauty did not mirror her inward beauty; she was said to be extremely interested in the arts of torture.

Indeed, she was accredited with the invention of Paolao. A bronze cylinder was covered in oil and heated up like a furnace. The victim was forced to stand on the cylinder. As the cylinder was slippery with oil he was in danger of falling off and into the burning coals underneath where he would be burnt to death. In order to avoid this, he had to ‘dance’ on the cylinder as it burnt his feet before he died. The king and Daji were said to have laughed whilst watching this type of torture.

After Di Xin’s death, the Chou executed her and then used her as a lesson that beauty can be the reason for the fall of an empire. It is said that if the Shang king had not paid so much attention to her, then he would have been able to pay more attention to his empire. The chou, however, took advantage and destroyed the ruined dynasty.

The Chou dynasty lasted for nearly 800 years and holds the record of dynastic longevity. No other dynasty would last more than half as long. The Chou kings number some 39, mostly father-to-son and witnessed fundamental changes throughout their rule.