This period is usually divided into "hegemonies" such as those of Jin, Qi, and Chu, all nominally vassals of the Zhou Dynasty.
During this era, one noble cut off his own feet for disagreeing with his liege. One polity formed during this era was alleged to make music by beating clay jars with bones and shouting "woo", and this period began when the Marquess of Shen sacked Haojing in alliance with the Quanrong Barbarians. The period after this one was marked by the formation of (*)  "vertical" and "horizontal" alliances. This period is usually divided into "hegemonies" such as those of Jin, Qi, and Chu, all nominally vassals of the Zhou Dynasty. The Chu Hegemony during this period was enabled by the advice of the Sun Tzu. For ten points, name this period preceding the Warring States Period, named for the seasons during which annals would be kept.
During this era, one noble cut off his own feet for disagreeing with his liege.
Spring  and  Autumn  Period (accept  Eastern Zhou )