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The '''Xia dynasty''' is an era of Chinese history that preceded the [[Shang dynasty]]. It is dated as c. 2070 BC – c. 1600 BC. Although the actual dynasty is considered to be legendary, modern historians may nonetheless use the term to the refer to the neolithic culture of this period. 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 an era of Chinese history that preceded the [[Shang dynasty]]. It is dated as c. 2070 BC – c. 1600 BC. Although the actual dynasty is considered to be legendary, modern historians may nonetheless use the term as a shorthand to the refer to the archaeological sites of this period, which show a transition between the earlier neolithic culture and the bronze age culture of the [[Shang dynasty]]. There are several sites that have been labeled 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 ethnic Chinese.

Based on the Shang records, the Xia was founded by "people of the water" who lived in the [[Yellow River]] 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.