Ancient Chinese Names China Imperial China began in 221 B.C., during the time of the Roman Republic, and lasted until the 20th century. The Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties ruled in parts of China before 221 B.C. According to tradition, these dynasties stretch back to the 27th century B.C. During the Neolithic period, the Chinese already knew how to make silk and carved amulets out of jade. The Zhou Dynasty ruled during the Bronze Age. Their rule was seen as a golden age to succeeding generations. Writing became widespread during the Bronze Age (mid-2nd millennium B.C.). Chinese records date back to the 8th century B.C. (2)
