The Xia dynasty is described in ancient Chinese historical writings as the first hereditary dynasty of China, said to have been founded by Yu the Great, a legendary figure who tamed the floods. According to tradition, it was followed by the rule of his descendants for some four and a half centuries, until the last king, Jie, was overthrown by Tang, the founder of the Shang dynasty. No written records survive from the period itself, and historians disagree about whether the Xia existed as a historical state. Some archaeologists connect it with the Erlitou culture of the Yellow River region, where a large early palace complex has been found, although this link is not proven. The dates given here follow traditional chronology.
Before and after
- from c. 2,345 BCE to 2,181 BCESixth Dynasty of Egypt
- from c. 2,334 BCE to 2,154 BCEAkkadian Empire
- from c. 2,300 BCE to 1,000 BCEAndronovo culture
- c. 2,300 BCEEruption of Blanco, Cerro
- from c. 2,205 BCE to 1,600 BCEXia dynasty (traditional dates)
- from c. 2,200 BCE to 1,700 BCEBactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex
- from c. 2,181 BCE to 2,055 BCEFirst Intermediate Period of Egypt
- c. 2,181 BCERise of Seventh Dynasty of Egypt
- from c. 2,180 BCE to 350 CEKingdom of Kush
More in Civilizations & archaeology
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- 13th century BCEAncient Celts
- 7th century BCEConstruction of Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- 80 CEThe Colosseum is inaugurated
- from 285 CE to 1453Byzantine Empire
- 25 March 421 CEFounding of Venice
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 23rd century BCE.