In the early period of the Zhou Dynasty (1046-221 BC), King Cheng of Zhou awarded Xiong Yi with the fiefdom of Chu. After the founding of the Chu State, Xiong Yi built the first capital of Chu at Dan Yang (present-day Xichuan in Henan). In the early years of the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC), Chu reached the height of its power under the reign of King Zhuang. For centuries, Chu was attempting to usurp the throne in the Central Plain. By coercing and absorbing the lesser states under the control of the Zhou Dynasty, the territories of Chu gradually expanded north and east towards the North China Plain. Chu was a successful expansionist and militaristic state. With the heart of ambition, Chu developed a strong reputation among various hegemons and aimed for the unification of China.