The Classical Age lasted from 1027-221 BC. After the Zhou took over the Shang dynasty, the Western Zhou period lasted until 771 BC. China during this time was very similar to how it had been during the previous dynasty with minor changes made to burial rituals, military tactics, and religion. For example, during the Shang dynasty the main deity had been Shangdi, but was replaced with Tian (meaning Heaven). Tian was the guardian of the ruling family which is why they called themselves 'Sons of Heaven'. Also, divination became less popular so this marks the beginning of more scientific thinking. [See Confucius in Important People for more on schools of thought]
In 771 BC, nomads invaded China and killed the Zhou ruler which started a period of a non-unified China. The Zhou court had lost all its power and influence and since no successor could be determined, lords became independent rulers of their own territories. By the 3rd century, 7 of these states had become more dominant than the rest. Since all these states were independent political systems, each territory had to create its own military and defense system. Many military manuals were written during this time that are still influential today, such as Sun Zi's 'Art of War'. The crossbow was created and became popular as well. Other cultural reforms were also made during this time, such as wearing trousers instead of long robes, and eating with chopsticks instead of with a fork and knife.
Eventually, divided China became reunited again. In 221 BC, one of the 7 dominant states overtook the rest and reunited China creating the First Empire
In 771 BC, nomads invaded China and killed the Zhou ruler which started a period of a non-unified China. The Zhou court had lost all its power and influence and since no successor could be determined, lords became independent rulers of their own territories. By the 3rd century, 7 of these states had become more dominant than the rest. Since all these states were independent political systems, each territory had to create its own military and defense system. Many military manuals were written during this time that are still influential today, such as Sun Zi's 'Art of War'. The crossbow was created and became popular as well. Other cultural reforms were also made during this time, such as wearing trousers instead of long robes, and eating with chopsticks instead of with a fork and knife.
Eventually, divided China became reunited again. In 221 BC, one of the 7 dominant states overtook the rest and reunited China creating the First Empire