(770–476 BC) Period of the Chinese Zhou dynasty named for one of the Confucian Classics, the Chunqiu ("Spring and Autumn Annals").
During the period the imperial house's authority diminished as local nobles struggled for power in states that formed political and economic coalitions for military purposes as well as for drainage projects, canals, and other civil engineering projects. Merchants and artisans began to assume some societal significance as well. Classical Chinese thought originates in this period. See also Confucius ; Five Classics .