The Zhou dynasty declined as the rulers of the states within the empire increasingly pursued their own interests and the power of the Zhou ruler weakened. During the Eastern Zhou, China fragmented into competing states, first during the Spring and Autumn period (770β476 bce) and later during the Warring States period (475β221 bce). Eventually the state of Qin conquered its rivals, paving the way for the establishment of the Qin dynasty.
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