Difference between revisions of "Xia dynasty"
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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 | + | 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 | + | 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. | ||
Revision as of 10:09, February 3, 2014
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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 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.[1]
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.
Not much is known about the nature of the Xia dynasty. The Shang records suggest that the Xia had a complex system of laws that was unusual for the time, as well as an unusual religion.[2]
