Eastern Zhou (state)

This article is about a state during the Warring States period. For a dynasty, see Eastern Zhou.
State of Eastern Zhou
東周
367 BCE–249 BCE
StatusDuchy
CapitalGong
Common languagesOld Chinese
GovernmentMonarchy
History 
• Independence from Western Zhou
367 BCE
• Annexed by Qin
249 BCE

Eastern Zhou (Chinese: 東周) was an ancient Chinese state during the Warring States period. Its capital was Gong (鞏), located just southwest of present-day Gongyi, a county-level city in Zhengzhou of Henan Province.[1]

Duke Hui of Western Zhou (西周惠公) succeeded his father Duke Wei in 367 BC. His younger brother Prince Gen (公子根) occupied eastern part of the state and revolted against Duke Hui. With the armed assistance of Zhao and Han, Eastern Zhou won independence from Western Zhou. The two tiny duchies attacked on each other.[1] The kings of Zhou had lost almost all political and military power, even their remaining crown land was occupied by the two tiny duchies. Since 307 BC, Eastern Zhou became a vassal state of Qin.[2]

Kings of Zhou lived in the state of Eastern Zhou, [3] however, during King Nan's reign, duke of Eastern Zhou refused to pay tribute to the king and deported him to Western Zhou.

Eastern Zhou was annexed by Qin in 249 BC,[1][4] the last ruler was killed by Lü Buwei due to his disloyalty to Qin.[5]

  1. ^ a b c Cihai (small print edition) (5th ed.). Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House. p. 56. ISBN 7-5326-0630-9.
  2. ^ 中华历史大辞典 (in Chinese). yan bian ren min chu ban she. 2001. p. 361. ISBN 9787806483855.
  3. ^ 河南通史 (in Chinese). he nan ren min chu ban she. 2005. p. 376. ISBN 9787215049857.
  4. ^ 河南通史 (in Chinese). he nan ren min chu ban she. 2005. p. 380. ISBN 9787215049857.
  5. ^ Records of the Grand Historian. Vol. 5. 庄襄王元年，大赦罪人，修先王功臣，施德厚骨肉而布惠於民。东周君与诸侯谋秦，秦使相国吕不韦诛之，尽入其国。秦不绝其祀，以阳人地赐周君，奉其祭祀。