<P> As the era continued, larger and more powerful states annexed or claimed suzerainty over smaller ones . By the 6th century BC most small states had disappeared from being annexed and just a few large and powerful principalities dominated China . Some southern states, such as Chu and Wu, claimed independence from the Zhou, who undertook wars against some of them (Wu and Yue). Many new cities were established in this period and Chinese culture was slowly shaped . </P> <P> Once all these powerful rulers had firmly established themselves within their respective dominions, the bloodshed focused more fully on interstate conflict in the Warring States period, which began when the three remaining élite families in the Jin state--Zhao, Wei and Han--partitioned the state . Many famous individuals such as Lao Zi, Confucius and Sun Tzu lived during this chaotic period . </P> <P> The Hundred Schools of Thought of Chinese philosophy blossomed during this period, and such influential intellectual movements as Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism and Mohism were founded, partly in response to the changing political world . The first two philosophical thoughts would have an enormous influence on Chinese culture . </P> <P> After further political consolidation, seven prominent states remained by the end of 5th century BC, and the years in which these few states battled each other are known as the Warring States period . Though there remained a nominal Zhou king until 256 BC, he was largely a figurehead and held little real power . </P>

Who wrote the first complete history of china