Confucius was born in the Zhou dynasty but there was no written evidence that he practiced Confucianism until it became increasingly popular during the warring states period, a.k.a. the 2nd half of the Zhou dynasty or the beginning of the Qin dynasty (475 BCE), as intellectuals began to search for ways of dispelling social and political unrest. The progress of Confucianism can be seen by observing its influence throughout the different dynasties. Qin Shi Huangdi, King of the Qin dynasty (221BC-206BC), was not impressed with the moral righteousness of Confucianism and started to persecute confucianists. However in the Han Dynasty (206BC~ 220AD), this religion became a major philosophy for the government to rule by. Furthermore, during the short period of the Sui dynasty a test was formed that was required for a seat as a government official, which was based on Confucianism. Later dynasties continue the traditions of a government based on Confucian philosophy and it can be seen that the religion/philosophy still strongly influences government, education, & moral ethics in Asian countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, & Vietnam. The prior purpose of Confucianism was to find solutions for political and social problems and it can be seen that these purposes were accomplished.