Topic summary
Proto-Zhou
Extracted from the Wikipedia article Predynastic Zhou.
The Predynastic Zhou or Proto-Zhou (; Chinese: 先周; pinyin: xiān zhōu) refers to the ancient Chinese state ruled by the Ji clan that existed in the Guanzhong region (modern central Shaanxi province) during the Shang dynasty, before its rebellion and subsequent conquest of the Shang in 1046-1045 BC led to the establishment of the Zhou dynasty. According to histories, predynastic Zhou rose as a western frontiervassal state of the Shang, acting as its ally against the Xirongbarbarians until their influence surpassed that of the Shang dynasty.