Zhou Dynasty: The terrifying shadow behind the prosperity
The Zhou Dynasty was an important dynasty in Chinese history, which existed from 1046 BC to 256 BC and was divided into two periods, the Western Zhou and the Eastern Zhou. However, historical documents and archaeological findings show that society during the Zhou Dynasty was not completely harmonious, and there were many feared phenomena.
First, the reign of terror was one of the striking features of the Zhou Dynasty. In order to maintain their power, the rulers of the Zhou Dynasty used various means to control the people, such as enacting severe punishment laws, setting up prisons, and using cool officials. At the same time, the royal power of the Zhou Dynasty also strengthened its mystique and authority through various rituals and sacrifices, such as sealing heaven and earth, sacrificing ancestors, etc., in order to consolidate its dominance.
Second, the horror of social hierarchy was also a major feature of the Zhou Dynasty. During the Zhou Dynasty, society was divided into different classes, including the classes of kings, qing, doctors, scholars, and commoners. This hierarchy brings great social pressures and inequalities. For example, the people of the taxi and commoner classes had a very difficult life, their social status was not guaranteed, and they were often bullied and oppressed by the aristocracy.
In addition, the culture and ideas of the Zhou Dynasty were also full of horror elements. In order to maintain its dominance, the rulers of the Zhou Dynasty promoted Confucianism, emphasizing moral norms such as the "Three Principles and Five Permanents". These norms suppress human nature, limit people's freedom of thought and behavior, and cause both mental and physical suffering.
Of course, the above description is not a complete generalization of the Zhou Dynasty, after all, it also has a prosperous side. However, we must recognize that there was a side of terror in the Zhou Dynasty, which did exist in the society of the time. The role of history is to allow us to see things from multiple angles, and the history of the Zhou Dynasty is no different.