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| Chinese
History |
Xia Empire
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Xia Empire (2,
100 to 1, 600 BC; alt: 4, 200 to 1, 600 BC)
The Xia period marked an evolutionary stage between
the post neolithic cultures and the typical Chinese
urban civilization of the Shang dynasty.
Reproduced under GNU licence criteria
+ many thanks to Wikipedia. Original courtesy of Zhou
Yi C 2004
The Xia Empire was very small by today’s Global
standards, but was huge for the times. It would also
have had contemporaries vying for position. What is
notable, is that it existed in it’s own right
about 2, 100 years ago, and traded with outsiders
such as Ancient Egypt, Mediterranean cultures, and
the near East. This also implies existing Trade links
with India and other Asian cultures
Historians disagree on whether this was one dynasty,
or several convergent and contemporary kingdoms. There
is much debate about the Xia Kingdom, but what is
agreed by all is the use of Bronze for daily use (cups)
and pottery markings also indicate the first forms
writing. Note: this is ‘pottery’, and
not ‘Porcelain’. Some evidence suggests
the Xia Empire began much earlier, such as 2, 500
BC; but especially 4, 200 BC, which is supported via
outside sources and early trade records found in other
contemporary civilizations
Factfile:
1. Preceded by King Shun, who handed power down to
a nominated ‘worthy successor’ = King
Yu (Da Yu)
2. Created by King Yu The Great, who handed power
down by Birthright
3. Successor his son, Qi
4. Pottery
5. Oracle Bones made of either bones or tortoiseshell,
with character inscriptions in ancient script
6. Language markings on pottery
7. Canals built to eliminate flooding
8 . Bronze used for everyday items, military weapons,
with a high level of refinement, making the Xia the
World's foremost exponents of Bronze works
Jade engravings, jewellery and ornaments
9 . Currency: Cowries, Coins
10 . Capital: Yangcheng, and probably later at Yanshi,
Henan Province (On the Yellow River); but see Erlitou
Culture also
11. History suggests that the Xia and Erlitou were
contemporaneous cultures, primarily based on opposing
banks of the Yellow River, plus associated hinterlands.
This gets complex, so simply read that: they fought
over regional dominance from time to time, and the
Xia eventually conquered and integrated the Erlitou
into their society
12. War followed by integration of the populace is
a common theme running throughout Chinese history,
even into the 20th Century
13. After the dynasty was overthrown by the Shang
dynasty, some remnants continued as an independent
state in Henan until 445 BC, and were known as the
Qi Kingdom
14. Later they reappear in Chinese history; as do
the Yue, who also claim to be descendants of Xia
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This
information is as supplied by Wikipedia, as dated March
2009 or later, and/or other reliable sources.
Maps (Unless stated otherwise)
are provided in association with Thomas Lessman
Web: www.worldhistorymaps.info
Disclaimer:
Please check this information yourself as it may alter
without notice, and whilst we try our best to ensure
it is correct, please do not hold us responsible for
any errors - this is intended as a simple guide only |
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