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Chinese civilization originated in various city-states along the Yellow River valley in the Neolithic era. The written history of China begins with the Shang Dynasty (ca. 1750BC – ca. 1045 BC). The origins of Chinese culture, literature and philosophy, developed during the Zhou Dynasty (1045BC to 256 BC). It was the longest lasting dynasty and spans the period in which the written script evolved from ancient oracle script to the beginnings of modern Chinese writing. The feudal Zhou Dynasty eventually broke apart into individual city states. In 221 BC, Qin Shi Huang united the various warring kingdoms and created the first Chinese empire. Successive dynasties in Chinese history developed bureaucratic systems that enabled the Emperor of China to directly control the vast territories.
