Dynasty Known For Shang Dynasty 1766-1122 B.C. Zhou Dynasty 1122-256 B.C. Qin Dynasty 221-206 B.C. Han Dynasty 202 B.C. – 220 A.D. This dynasty developed a system of writing using pictographs. They believed that respect for parents and ancestors was extremely important. The kings of this dynasty created the idea of the Mandate of Heaven. The emperors of this dynasty had their friends and family rule smaller areas of China, which lead to Time of the Warring States. This dynasty was ruled by Shi Huangdi. They began building the Great Wall and believed in Legalism. Their dynasty only lasted about 15 years. This dynasty began when Liu Bang ended Civil war in China. They set up a bureaucracy, which had local rules help emperors enforce laws.