The Zhou Dynasty was the first dynasty in which Confucianism became an official religion. It was also the longest-lasting dynasty in Chinese history. The Zhou Dynasty lasted from 1046 BCE to 256 BCE, which was about 900 years.
Actually, the Zhou Dynasty was founded by King Wu of Zhou, who overthrew the last king of the Shang Dynasty. The Shang Dynasty had been weakened by internal conflicts, so it fell easily to the invading Zhou army. The king of Shang was killed by King Wu, who took over as ruler of all China.
Confucius was born in 551 BCE in the state of Lu. He was a great political philosopher and religious leader who taught that people should live according to certain moral principles and obey their rulers justly and loyally. Confucius believed that if people followed these principles they would become good citizens and would make their country stronger.
Confucianism is also known as Ruism or Legalism because it stresses obedience to authority; it teaches that everything has its proper place and function in society.
Confucius’ teachings were written down by his followers and became known as “The Analects.”
