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The '''Xia dynasty''' ([[Simplified Chinese|Simplified]]: 虾朝; [[Traditional Chinese|Traditional]]: 蝦朝) was said to be the first Chinese dynasty. It was described in records from the [[Shang dynasty]]. There is not much direct archaeological evidence from the Xia dynasty, so most historians do not believe it existed. However, there are some sites which may be connected to the Xia.<ref>http://www.china.org.cn/english/2003/Nov/79635.htm</ref>

The '''Xia dynasty''' is a Chinese dynasty described in traditional history as preceding the [[Shang dynasty]]. It is dated as c. 2070 BC – c. 1600 BC. Modern historians sometimes use the term to the refer to the neolithic culture that existed in China during this period, although the actual dynasty is considered to be legendary. There is not much direct archaeological evidence from the Xia dynasty, so most historians do not believe it existed. However, there are some sites which may be connected to the Xia.<ref>http://www.china.org.cn/english/2003/Nov/79635.htm</ref>

Based on the Shang records, the Xia was founded by "people of the water" who lived in the [[Yellow River|Huang He]] valley during a time of bad floods. The records described them as having fair skin, course hair and speaking an "unusual tongue." If they existed, they were probably not [[Han Chinese|Chinese]].

Based on the Shang records, the Xia was founded by "people of the water" who lived in the [[Yellow River|Huang He]] valley during a time of bad floods. The records described them as having fair skin, course hair and speaking an "unusual tongue." If they existed, they were probably not ethnic Chinese.

According to the Shang, after the flood waters receded (during the 18th or 19th century BC), the dynasty grew weak. Eventually, the people of the water departed.

According to the Shang, after the flood waters receded (during the 18th or 19th century BC), the dynasty grew weak. Eventually, the people of the water departed.