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Dynasties are not the be-all and
end-all of Chinese history; sometimes they can be less important than other
broad shifts or changes. However, they are the traditional division of
Chinese history and provide a useful way to categorize this history. Almost
all dates are subject to little quibbles. Some, such as the beginning
of the Zhou ('joe') dynasty, are subject to big quibbles.
This abbreviated history is divided
into dynasties. The creation of each dynasty will fall under the section
bearing its name, as will any preceding period in which China was between dynasties.
Contemporaneous happenings will also be categorized under the traditional dynasty.
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