Zhou Dynasty Overthrows Shang

King Wu of Zhou led a coalition against the Shang dynasty's last ruler, the allegedly tyrannical King Zhou of Shang, defeating him at the Battle of Muye around 1046 BCE. The Zhou introduced the 'Mandate of Heaven' concept — basically saying if you're a trash ruler, heaven revokes your right to govern. This idea shaped Chinese political philosophy for the next 3,000 years. The Zhou dynasty would last (at least nominally) until 256 BCE, making it the longest dynasty in Chinese history. That's an unreal run.