Birth of Confucius
Confucius was born in the state of Lu, in present-day Shandong Province, China. His birth marked the beginning of a life that would profoundly influence Chinese thought and culture.
551 BCE
500 BCE
Confucius Begins Teaching
Around this time, Confucius began his career as a teacher, advocating for the importance of education and moral development. He gathered a group of disciples who would later spread his teachings.
479 BCE
Death of Confucius
Confucius passed away at the age of 72. His death marked the end of his life but the beginning of his legacy, as his ideas would continue to evolve and influence future generations.
300 BCE
Posthumous Recognition of Confucius' Teachings
Confucius' teachings began to gain recognition after his death, leading to the establishment of Confucianism as a significant philosophical school in China.
206 BCE - 220 CE
Confucianism Officially Recognized During the Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty adopted Confucianism as the state philosophy, solidifying Confucius' influence on Chinese governance, education, and culture. Confucian ideals became integral to the civil service examination system.
589-618 CE
Confucianism Flourishes in the Sui Dynasty
During the Sui Dynasty, Confucianism experienced a revival as the government promoted Confucian ideals, leading to increased study of Confucius' texts and teachings.
960-1279 CE
Neo-Confucianism Emerges During the Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty saw the rise of Neo-Confucianism, which sought to reinterpret Confucius' teachings in light of Buddhist and Daoist ideas, further expanding his influence.
1368-1644 CE
Confucianism Becomes Central to Ming Dynasty Culture
The Ming Dynasty emphasized Confucian values, leading to a cultural renaissance that celebrated Confucius' teachings, reinforcing their importance in Chinese society.
1905 CE
Abolition of the Confucian Examination System
The Qing Dynasty abolished the civil service examination system based on Confucian principles, marking a significant shift in Chinese education and governance, but Confucius' teachings remained influential.
1949 CE
Confucianism in the People's Republic of China
With the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Confucianism faced criticism and suppression, yet it remained a vital part of Chinese cultural identity.
1970s CE
Revival of Confucianism in Modern China
The late 20th century witnessed a revival of interest in Confucianism as China began to embrace its cultural heritage, with Confucius' teachings gaining renewed respect and study.
2004 CE
Confucius Institutes Established Worldwide
Confucius Institutes were established globally to promote Chinese language and culture, reflecting the enduring legacy of Confucius and his teachings in contemporary society.
2020 CE
Global Interest in Confucianism Grows
Interest in Confucianism surged worldwide, with scholars and practitioners exploring Confucius' ideas on ethics, governance, and social harmony in the context of modern challenges.
2024 CE
As of 2024, Confucius' teachings remain influential not only in China but across the globe, inspiring discussions on morality, education, and social responsibility in various cultural contexts.
