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*''Chinese/Japanese'': 夏 ''(Xia / Ka)''
The Xia Dynasty is, according to legend, the first dynasty to rule over China. Along with the [[Shang Dynasty|Shang]] and [[Zhou Dynasty|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 of Xia|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 of Xia|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)
==References==
*K.C. Chang, ''Art, Myth, and Ritual'', Harvard University Press (1983), 131.
[[Category:Historical Periods]]