Changes

*''Chinese/Japanese'': 夏 ''(Xia / Ka)''

*''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.

The Xia Dynasty was, 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.

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, and archaeological excavations at Erlitou, near [[Luoyang]], have uncovered the foundations of a palace, bronze vessels and weapons, and pieces of jade and [[lacquer]]ed wood. However, as the Erlitou finds included no writings or inscriptions, it is unclear whether this site is evidence of the Xia Dynasty, or of another culture or polity which the Shang conquered.<ref>Conrad Schirokauer, et al, ''A Brief History of Chinese and Japanese Civilizations'', Fourth Edition, Cengage Learning (2012), 7.</ref>

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.

The Dynasty is said to have been 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.

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.

==References==

==References==

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

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

[[Category:Historical Periods]]

[[Category:Historical Periods]]