King Wu of Zhou

King Wu of Zhou, traditionally identified as Ji Fa, founded Zhou rule after defeating the Shang dynasty at the Battle of Muye around 1046 BCE.

Battle of Muye: A battle traditionally dated to about 1046 BCE in which Zhou forces defeated the Shang army. This victory enabled King Wu to overthrow Shang rule.
Ji Fa: The personal name traditionally given to King Wu of Zhou. This is the traditional identity behind King Wu’s royal title.
Fengjian: A system of Zhou-era rule that assigned territories and authority to members of the royal house and allied lords. This arrangement helped extend Zhou authority after the conquest.
Li gui: A Western Zhou bronze vessel whose inscription records a Zhou victory over the Shang. Its inscription is a contemporary source associated with the conquest.
Mandate of Heaven: A political doctrine that rulers govern with Heaven’s approval, which can be withdrawn from unjust dynasties. Zhou accounts used this doctrine to justify replacing the Shang.
King Wen of Zhou: The Zhou ruler and father of King Wu, honored posthumously as King Wen. His expansion of Zhou influence prepared the way for his son’s conquest.
Cheng of Zhou: The son and successor of King Wu, who inherited the throne as a child. His accession prompted the regency that followed King Wu’s death.
Great Yu ding: A Western Zhou bronze vessel bearing an inscription about Zhou royal authority and historical memory. Its inscription shows how later Zhou elites recalled the dynasty’s beginnings.
Shang dynasty: A Bronze Age Chinese dynasty that preceded Zhou rule and was centered around the Yellow River valley. Its defeat marks the political break associated with King Wu.
Zhou clan: The ruling lineage that established the Zhou dynasty after defeating the Shang. King Wu led this lineage from regional power to kingship.

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