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Xia Dynasty
This article is about the Sixteen Kingdoms Period state an extremely ancient Chinese dynasty named Xia, see Tiefu whose existence has yet to be thoroughly confirmed by archaeology.
The first dynasty, the Xia Dynasty 夏朝 2200 BC–1800 BC which record the names of seventeen kings over fourteen generations is described in Chinese historical records. The legendary Three August Ones and Five Emperors are said to have preceded this dynasty, which was followed by the Shang dynasty.
It was difficult to separate myth from reality in regard to the existence of the Xia Dynasty until scientific excavations were made at early bronze-age sites at Erlitou in Henan Province. Archaeologists have uncovered urban sites, bronze implements, and tombs that point to the possible existence of the Xia dynasty at locations cited in ancient Chinese historical texts. Chinese archaeologists identify the Erlitou culture in connection with that of Xia Dynasty, while most Western archaeologists remain unconvinced. The Xia period is said to have marked an evolutionary stage between the late neolithic cultures and the typical Chinese urban civilization of the Shang dynasty. Invention of wine making and improvements in horse herding significantly improved the agricultural technology The Xia Dynasty used Carriages.
The Xia Dynasty resumed the hereditary monarchy transmitted from the time of the legendary Yellow Emperor, and began a period of family or clan control of everything in the nation (家天下). Chinese civilization developed a ruling structure that employed both a benign civilian government (文治) and harsh punishment for legal transgressions (刑罚) during this period. The earliest forms of Chinese legal codes came into being from this period.
The Xia Dynasty territory is believed to be extending east to Shandong and Hebei Provinces and west to Henan and Shanxi and from north to south it extended from Hebei to Hubei in the South. In 1959, the city of Yanshi was excavated containing large palaces and appears to be the capital of the Xia Dynasty. Radiocarbon dating places the site at ca. 2100 to 1800 BC evidence for the existence of the Xia Dynasty.
Jie was the last ruler, and a corrupt king and was overthrown by T'ang, the leader of Shang people from the east.
The first dynasty, the Xia Dynasty 夏朝 2200 BC–1800 BC which record the names of seventeen kings over fourteen generations is described in Chinese historical records. The legendary Three August Ones and Five Emperors are said to have preceded this dynasty, which was followed by the Shang dynasty.
It was difficult to separate myth from reality in regard to the existence of the Xia Dynasty until scientific excavations were made at early bronze-age sites at Erlitou in Henan Province. Archaeologists have uncovered urban sites, bronze implements, and tombs that point to the possible existence of the Xia dynasty at locations cited in ancient Chinese historical texts. Chinese archaeologists identify the Erlitou culture in connection with that of Xia Dynasty, while most Western archaeologists remain unconvinced. The Xia period is said to have marked an evolutionary stage between the late neolithic cultures and the typical Chinese urban civilization of the Shang dynasty. Invention of wine making and improvements in horse herding significantly improved the agricultural technology The Xia Dynasty used Carriages.
The Xia Dynasty resumed the hereditary monarchy transmitted from the time of the legendary Yellow Emperor, and began a period of family or clan control of everything in the nation (家天下). Chinese civilization developed a ruling structure that employed both a benign civilian government (文治) and harsh punishment for legal transgressions (刑罚) during this period. The earliest forms of Chinese legal codes came into being from this period.
The Xia Dynasty territory is believed to be extending east to Shandong and Hebei Provinces and west to Henan and Shanxi and from north to south it extended from Hebei to Hubei in the South. In 1959, the city of Yanshi was excavated containing large palaces and appears to be the capital of the Xia Dynasty. Radiocarbon dating places the site at ca. 2100 to 1800 BC evidence for the existence of the Xia Dynasty.
Jie was the last ruler, and a corrupt king and was overthrown by T'ang, the leader of Shang people from the east.
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