The duke helped his brother sweep away a corrupt ruler and found the Zhou dynasty in the 11th Century BC. Already north China had cities, public works and coinage.

The cruelest female ruler on our list is definitely the Empress Wu Zeitan, a Chinese sovereign who interrupted the rule of the Tang dynasty and restored the Zhou dynasty. Her beauty, intelligence ...

Ever since the Zhou Dynasty replaced the Shang some 3000 years ago, natural disasters have been interpreted in China as a sign of heaven's disfavor with whomever is currently in charge.

The ruler in question was Emperor Wu of China's Northern Zhou dynasty, whose reign lasted from A.D. 560 to A.D. 578. The facial reconstruction of Emperor Wu, who was ethnically Xianbei.

The tomb of Emperor Xiaomin that was uncovered in Xianyang, China. Known by his personal name, Yuwen Jue, the ancient Chinese ruler was the founding emperor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty.

Carrie Gracie investigates the Duke of Zhou's continuing influence. How the 3,000-year-old teachings of a Chinese nobleman - who influenced Confucius - are being feted by the new generation of ...