A Concise History of China-Pangu to Puyi - Part 1

A Concise History of China-Pangu to Puyi - Part 1

Author: Laszlo Montgomery August 26, 2026 Duration: 2:09:55

Sorry to everyone for making you wait this long. Welcome to the inaugural episode of this series, which will offer you a concise overview of Chinese history from mythical times to the time of the last emperor of the last imperial dynasty.

We’ll start off with the traditional stories surrounding the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors 三皇五帝 and cover the Xia 夏 and Shang 商 dynasties. The amazing story of the Oracle Bones will also be presented, and how this marked the beginning of recorded Chinese history. In this episode, the story of Jiang Ziya 姜子牙 and his role in supporting the Ji Clan 姬家族 in their efforts to establish the Zhou Dynasty. In the following episodes, we’ll wander through all the dynasties and look at all the people, places, incidents, and events that make up the rich tapestry of Chinese history.

Appearing in this episode will be: Pángǔ 盘古, Nǚwā 女娲, Tiān Huáng 天皇, Dì Huáng 地皇, Tài Huáng 太皇, Fúxī 伏羲, Shénnóng 神农, The Yellow Emperor 黃帝, Chīyóu 蚩尤, Shàohào 少昊, Zhuānxū 颛顼, Kù 喾, Yáo 尧, Shùn 舜, Hòuyì 后羿, Dà Yǔ 大禹, King Jié 夏桀王, Mò Xǐ 妺喜, Yī Yǐn 伊尹, Chéng Tāng 成汤, Wáng Yìróng 王懿荣, Wáng Guówéi 王国维, Wǔ Dīng 武丁, Fù Hǎo 妇好 / Mǔ Xīn 母辛, Pán Gēng 盤庚, Jī Chāng 姬昌 / Zhōu Wén Wáng 周文王, King Zhòu 商纣辛 / Zhóu Xīn 商轴心, Dá Jǐ 妲己, Jiāng Zǐyá 姜子牙, Jī Fā 姬发, Jī Dàn 姬旦, Yuánshǐ Tiānzūn 元始天尊.


For more than a decade, Laszlo Montgomery has been guiding audiences through the vast and intricate tapestry of Chinese civilization on The China History Podcast. This isn't a dry recitation of dates and dynasties, but a deeply researched exploration of the people, ideas, and events that have shaped one of the world's oldest continuous cultures. Each episode feels like a focused conversation, unpacking a specific theme, figure, or era with a clarity that makes complex history accessible. You'll find episodes delving into the philosophical foundations laid by Confucius and Laozi, the machinations of imperial courts, the transformative impact of the Silk Road, and the profound changes of the modern age. With a catalog surpassing 350 episodes, the journey spans from deepest antiquity to contemporary times, offering a comprehensive resource for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. Laszlo's steady narration and careful curation build connections across centuries, revealing how the past continuously informs the present. Tuning into this podcast is an ongoing education, revealing the incredible depth and diversity of Chinese history, society, and culture, one story at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The China History Podcast
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