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 |
Copyright© 1998-2009 TravelChinaGuide.com, All rights reserved.
Travelers' Voices on Xia Dynasty
1.
Nov. 19,2009 11:35 Reply
Mr.swagga(THE LAND OF THE FREE) said:
THIZ HELPED ALOT THATNX
2.
Nov. 4,2009 12:01 Reply
Ms.Smith(Fl.) said:
thank this really helped me on my prodject!!
Nov. 9,2009 19:38
Mr.HArry gratton(magic land) replied:
Same here, it got me a B in my final exams
3.
Nov. 9,2009 19:37 Reply
Mr.Kewl(Kewland) said:
I really like this article, it's kewl.
4.
Nov. 3,2009 00:09 Reply
Mr.karis said:
tahnks for the information it really helped me on my report about ancient china
5.
Oct. 28,2009 18:47 Reply
Ms.haley(ohio) said:
I love the website! It was fun thanks again for the project.
:p
6.
Oct. 28,2009 16:02 Reply
Ms.banks(usa) said:
The xia dynasty ruled befor the shang and the last peron to rule this dynasty befre it lost power was Jia
7.
Oct. 28,2009 09:14 Reply
Mr.woody(US) said:
very helpful. just helped my project in no time.
8.
Oct. 25,2009 11:54 Reply
Mr.Sir(USA) said:
this was a great help for my history project !!!!
9.
Oct. 13,2009 18:13 Reply
Mr.JG(USA) said:
thanxx really helpss
10.
Oct. 8,2009 15:39 Reply
Ms.smith(america) said:
thanks so much i am doing a history project and this really helped!