The establishment of the Xia Dynasty (21st - 16th century BC) is an important milestone in the history of Chinese civilization and marks the end of the Primitive Society and the beginning of the Class Society. It is the first dynasty in Chinese history, and lasted nearly 500 years including the reigns of 17 emperors.
It is thought that most of the people during the Xia Dynasty period probably inhabited the western area of Henan Province and southern Shanxi Province.
Political History
It is Yu the Great who first set up the Xia Dynasty under the Abdication System (choosing the leader according to their ability). After he died, his son Qi broke up this system and made himself the Xia emperor. From that time onwards, the Abdication System gave way to the Hereditary System.
Following the system of hereditary, 15 offspring of Qi succeeded him after his death. Among them, emperors like Shaokang, and Huai made great contributions to the development of Chinese society. However, there were also many tyrannical emperors during this period such as Taikang, Kongjia, and Jie.
Economy and Crafts
During the Xia Dynasty, many achievements were made. People lived mainly through agriculture using tools made of stone or bone. The Jade ware at that time was quite delicate and bronze vessels were well smelted. Craftwork made of bronze embedded with jade also appeared. Commodity exchanges developed. A calendar system was devised which used both lunar and solar movements.
Decline
The Xia Dynasty ended under the reign of Jie, a very notorious tyrannical emperor in Chinese history. After he succeeded to the throne, he lived an extravagant life day and night without any thought for his country or its people. In addition, he killed the patriotic ministers who presented him with good advice. All of his actions enraged the people so much that at last they rose up under the leadership of Tang (the chief of the Shang tribe and latter set up Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC) and overthrew the Xia Dynasty.
Emperors of the Xia Dynasty
| Order | Name | Notes | Reign Time (years) |
| 1 | Xiayu | Also called Dayu; Family name: Si; Given name: Wenming; The great-great-grandson of Huangdi. Known for solving the flood problem for the people. | 45 |
| 2 | Qi | son of Xiayu; He broke up the Abdication System and set the Hereditary System. | 29 |
| 3 | Taikang | son of Qi | 29 |
| 4 | Zhongkang | younger brother of Taikang | 13 |
| 5 | Xiang | son of Zhongkang | 28 |
| 6 | Shaokang | posthumous child of Xiang | 21 |
| 7 | Zhu | son of Shaokang | 17 |
| 8 | Huai | son of Zhu | 44 |
| 9 | Mang | son of Huai | 18 |
| 10 | Xie | son of Mang | 21 |
| 11 | Bujiang | son of Xie | 59 |
| 12 | Jiong | younger brother of Bujiang | 21 |
| 13 | Jin | son of Jiong | 21 |
| 14 | Kongjia | son of Bujiang | 31 |
| 15 | Gao | son of Kongjia | 11 |
| 16 | Fa | son of Gao | 11 |
| 17 | Jie | son of Fa; the tyrannical emperor that ended the Xia Dynasty | 52 |
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Travelers' Voices on Xia Dynasty
1.
Jun. 17,2009 23:32 Reply
Ms.skky payton(Kenya) said:
how come they don't have yu and shun on the emperors chart?
Jun. 18,2009 02:46
Mr.laura(cn) replied:
The first one is yu, xiayu is yu actually.
Jul. 2,2009 22:00
Mr.Careaga(USA) replied:
And Shun would be the next dynasty.
2.
Jun. 1,2009 06:10 Reply
Ms.Cynthia(China) said:
What happen to xia yu when he's died
3.
Apr. 28,2009 11:43 Reply
Mrs.picurro(united states) said:
I am writing a paper/presentation for college about the Xia Dynasty, is there anything anyone could bring to my attention that could be different or interesting? I would appreciate the help from anyone anywhere!!!! By the way, my 4 year old daughter is named Xia!!!!
Apr. 29,2009 20:51
Ms.Yuan(China) replied:
Xia Dynasty is a slavery country. After the country became powerful, Yu guided his army to defeat the Sanmiao tribe in South China. Then, u built up the capital on the south of Songshan Mountain (now Dengfeng County, Henan Province}. Later, the capital was moved to another place (now Yuxian County, Henan).
4.
Apr. 26,2009 09:10 Reply
Mr.daniel(australia) said:
i need to know more about there discoveries
5.
Apr. 22,2009 12:25 Reply
Ms.Love(USA) said:
This is awsome. Except for the fact that it doesn't have very much on the Empire size...
6.
Mar. 15,2009 11:45 Reply
Ms.person(USA) said:
I like the page, but as Ms. Perfect said, how'd Yu get into power?...Seriously.
Apr. 15,2009 23:27
Ms.Cool(USA) replied:
He was crowned king cause he saved people from drowning by building dikes.
7.
Mar. 11,2009 17:17 Reply
Mr.lmao(usa) said:
what about religoin and philosophy
Apr. 15,2009 19:01
Mr.chandi(srilanka) replied:
they belive ther's ansestors and sun and moon as well as dragon too.
8.
Mar. 30,2009 15:24 Reply
Mrs.person jr.(USA) said:
Where in china was it? I can't tell too well.
9.
Mar. 10,2009 17:36 Reply
Ms.Perfect(Canada) said:
How did the Xia Dynasty emperor come in power?
10.
Jan. 7,2009 18:12 Reply
Ms.rockyy(USA) said:
it was told to be the first country of china!!
Feb. 24,2009 20:12
Mr.bob(USA) replied:
It wasn't a country it was a dynasty and it started long before the dynasty began