History glossary
Xia dynasty
China's traditionally remembered first dynasty, often linked by scholars with Erlitou but not proven by writing from the site.
- Category
- Dynasty
- Region
- Early China
- Date range
- traditionally before the Shang; often associated with c. 1900-1500 BCE Erlitou
What it means
The Xia dynasty is remembered in later Chinese tradition as the first ruling house before the Shang. Many scholars connect that memory with the archaeological site of Erlitou, but no written records from Erlitou confirm the identification, so the relationship remains debated.
Related terms
Stories using this term
The Mongol Empire
From scattered steppe tribes to the largest contiguous empire in history, the Mongols reshaped Eurasia through conquest, terror, and trade.
Early China
From Neolithic farming villages to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Early China built the writing, bronze culture, and political doctrines that gave Chinese civilisation its enduring character.
