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}}The '''Xia dynasty''' is an era of Chinese history that began in 2070 BC and continued until 1600 BC. It was followed by the [[Shang dynasty]]. Many of the stories concerning this dynasty are distorted by the agendas of later rulers, and the traditional list of rulers is almost certainly mythical. However, an archeological site in Henan Province is identified with the Xia capital. The Chinese press describes the Xia as historical, although some Western scholars remain skeptical.<ref>Chen Ning, "[http://www.chinahistoryforum.com/topic/31689-the-controversy-of-the-xia-shang-zhou-chronology-p/ The Controversy of the Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project]" (2009).</ref>

}}The '''Xia dynasty''' is an era of Chinese history that began in 2070 BC and continued until 1600 BC. It was followed by the [[Shang dynasty]]. Many of the stories concerning this dynasty are distorted by the agendas of later rulers, and the traditional list of rulers is almost certainly mythical. However, an archeological site in Henan Province is identified with the Xia capital. The Chinese press describes the Xia as historical, although some Western scholars remain skeptical.<ref>Chen Ning, "[http://www.chinahistoryforum.com/topic/31689-the-controversy-of-the-xia-shang-zhou-chronology-p/ The Controversy of the Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project]" (2009).</ref>

Archaeological sites from the Xia period show mixed copper and stone use, a transition between the earlier neolithic culture and Bronze Age culture. China entered the Bronze Age around 1700 BC, toward the end of the dynasty. Erlitou in northern Henan Province, identified with the Xia capital Zhenxun, is a very large site for the period and can be thought of as a major city.<ref>"[http://www.china.org.cn/english/2003/Nov/79635.htm./ Stunning Capital of Xia Dynasty Unearthed]", ''China Daily'', Nov. 11, 2003.</ref>

Sites from the Xia period show mixed copper and stone use, a transitional phase between neolithic and Bronze Age culture. China entered the Bronze Age around 1700 BC, toward the end of the dynasty. Erlitou in northern Henan Province, identified with the Xia capital Zhenxun, is a very large site for the period and can be thought of as a major city.<ref>"[http://www.china.org.cn/english/2003/Nov/79635.htm./ Stunning Capital of Xia Dynasty Unearthed]", ''China Daily'', Nov. 11, 2003.</ref>

Shun, the last of the legendary Three Sovereigns, picked Yu the Great (c. 2200 - 2100 BC) as his successor. Yu was able to control a worldwide flood by building embankments. Yu's son succeeded him, making Yu the founder of a dynasty. There were sixteen Xia rulers, according to legend.

Shun, the last of the legendary Three Sovereigns, picked Yu the Great (c. 2200 - 2100 BC) as his successor. Yu was able to control a worldwide flood by building embankments. Yu's son succeeded him, making Yu the founder of a dynasty. There were sixteen Xia rulers, according to legend.