- Zhou Dynasty Timeline: 1045-256 BCE.
- The invention of the magnetic compass occurred during the Zhou dynasty. The earliest records of the compass mention its creation in the 4th century BCE. First constructed from lodestones, the forerunner to the modern magnetic compass was originally referred to as the "South Pointing Fish".
- The Zhou were early users of the seismoscope, a device that detects and records the motions of the Earth's crust. While they originated in the 2nd century BCE, historical records indicate the Zhou may have had access to earlier, primitive versions of the instrument.
- The water clock or "clepsydra" may have been created by the Zhou during the late part of their dynasty, around the 6th to 5th centuries BCE. The device's purpose was to measure elapsing time using the flow of water, and it paved the way for the advancement of horology in China.
- The introduction of iron metallurgy during the Zhou period transformed industries and military strength. The advancements marked a significant shift from the predominantly bronze-based artifacts of the previous Shang Dynasty.
- The Great Wall: Although portions of the Great Wall of China were built before the Zhou dynasty, it was during this period that the concept of a unified, large-scale fortification along the northern border gained traction. The actual construction of the Great Wall intensified during subsequent dynasties.
- The Chinese developed bronze metallurgy, which enabled them to produce weapons and tools that were stronger and more durable than those of their predecessors.
- The Zhou people invented crossbows, which could be used to shoot arrows with greater precision and accuracy than traditional bows.
- The Chinese began using writing during the Zhou dynasty. Inscriptions on oracle bones, bronze vessels, and bamboo slips have provided historians with valuable insights into the history and culture of the Zhou dynasty.
- Silk production became a major industry during the Zhou dynasty, and silk fabric became a valuable commodity both within China and in international trade.