Xia dynasty

The Xia (c. 2070–c. 1600 BC by the traditional chronology) is traditionally regarded as China's first dynasty. Because no directly deciphered contemporary writing survives, its historicity is still debated.

Overview

The Xia is known not from its own records but from later histories such as Sima Qian’s Shiji. Its traditional founder is Yu the Great, celebrated for taming the floods. The dates c. 2070–c. 1600 BC come from the Xia–Shang–Zhou chronology project and are approximate.

Key developments

Archaeologists often associate the Erlitou culture with the Xia, but the identification is not settled. With no directly deciphered writing from the period itself, the dynasty remains a matter of scholarly debate.

End and transition

In the traditional account, the last ruler Jie was a tyrant who was overthrown by Tang, the founder of the Shang dynasty.

Overview

Key developments

End and transition

People