Xia Dynasty

• Dates: c. 2200-1750 BCE?
• Chinese/Japanese: 夏 (Xia / Ka)

The Xia Dynasty is, according to legend, the first dynasty to rule over China. Along with the Shang and Zhou Dynasties which followed, it is known as one of the Three Dynasties.

No material evidence has been found for the Xia Dynasty, though artifacts and writings (esp. oracle bones and bronzes) from the Shang and Zhou periods, as well as from later periods, make reference to the Xia.

The Dynasty was founded by the legendary Yu the Great (son of Gun), who was selected by Shun the Great to succeed him, in accordance with the tradition of "succession by invitation." Yu then changed to a pattern of succession by descent, breaking with tradition and establishing a dynasty.

Yu, or his son & successor Qi, is credited with, among other feats, the construction of the legendary Nine Bronze Tripods, or Nine Ding, a great symbol of imperial legitimacy and power.

Rulers of Xia

• Yu the Great
• Qi of Xia
• Tai Kang
• Zhong Kang
• Xiang
• Shao Kang
• Zhu
• Huei
• Mang of Xia
• Xie of Xia
• Bu Jiang
• Jiong
• Jin of Xia
• Kong Jia
• Gao of Xia
• Fa of Xia
• Lu Gui (aka Jie)

Preceded by: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

Xia Dynasty c. 2200-1750 BCE?

Succeeded by: Shang Dynasty

References

• K.C. Chang, Art, Myth, and Ritual, Harvard University Press (1983), 131.