The 7th century BC was a period marked by significant developments in various civilizations around the world. In Greece, city-states began to emerge, leading to the rise of democracy and cultural advancements. Meanwhile, in China, the Spring and Autumn period saw the fragmentation of the Zhou dynasty, which influenced political and philosophical thought. In the Near East, the Assyrian Empire expanded its territory, becoming a dominant power through military conquests. This century also witnessed the beginnings of Buddhism in India, as well as the establishment of the Phoenician alphabet, which would later influence many writing systems in the Mediterranean region.