China has a very old and rich tradition in literature as well as art and the performing arts. The earliest writing are generally based on philosophical or religious thought, including the writings of Confucius (551-479 BC) and Lao-tzu (about 4th century BC). These works concentrated on ethical and social relationships as well as concepts on government and military matters. A strong tradition of historical writing exists in Chinese culture. After the fall of a dynasty, for example, a grand history of the late dynasty was commissioned and written by scholars in the next dynasty.