Chinese Dynasties | Warring States Period

The seven most powerful kingdoms during this period of Chinese history. They include:

1. State of Chu - lasted from 1030 to 223 BCE. Ruled by aristocrats with close ties to Zhou dynasty emperors. Historical figure from this period - Qu Yuan.
2. State of Han - lasted from 403 to 230 BCE. Famous person from Han kingdom is the legalist philosopher Han Fei.
3. State of Qi - lasted from 1046 to 221 BCE. Was a Zhou dynasty state.
4. State of Qin - lasted from 778 to 207 BCE. Emerged as one of the dominant superpowers during this period and eventually took control and unified China. Evolved into the Qin Dynasty, under Qin Shi Huang Di
5. State of Wei (aka State of Liang) - lasted from 445 to 225 BCE. Was involved in almost continuous warfare with the Qin State, which weakened and eventually destroyed it.
6. State of Yan - lasted from 11th century to 221 BCE. Defended itself from the Qi and Zhao states. Tried to assassinate Qin Shi Huang Di but were unsuccessful and were overrun by him in 221 BCE.
7. State of Zhao - lasted from 403 to 222 BCE. At the start of this period was one of the weaker states, but became more powerful under King Wuling of Zhao. By the end of this period, they were the only state powerful enough to challenge the Qin.