The Zhou dynasty was the longest lasting of the Chinese Empire's dynasties. It lasted from 1046 to 256 BCE. Many cultural and intellectual developments happened during this period. The works of the renown philosopher Confucius occurred during the Zhou Dynasty.
Chinese rulers were believed to have a "higher power". The Zhou claimed that their predecessors: The Shang had lost the "Mandate of Heaven" due to their numerous mistakes while ruling the empire. As a result, the Zhou were cautious of relating themselves to any sort of "Higher Power", as other forces could depose them under the same argument that the Shang were removed from power.