During the "Era of Contending States ," what was the ruling dynasty? Han Zhou Tang

## Step 1<br />The "Era of Contending States" is a term used to describe a period in ancient Chinese history. This period is characterized by the fragmentation and competition of various states following the fall of the Western Zhou Dynasty and before the rise of the Qin state.<br />## Step 2<br />This period is generally considered to have lasted from around 475 BCE to 221 BCE. During this time, several states, including the Warring States, vied for supremacy.<br />## Step 3<br />The question asks for the ruling dynasty during this period. The options provided are Han, Zhou, and Tang. The Han and Tang dynasties were periods that came after the "Era of Contending States".<br />## Step 4<br />The Zhou Dynasty is the correct answer because it was the ruling dynasty during the "Era of Contending States". The Western Zhou Dynasty fell in 1046 BCE, and the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, which includes the "Era of Contending States", lasted until 256 BCE.