Xue, Mary
Xia Dynasty—夏朝
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2033 BC to 1562 BC
The first dynasty of China, Slavery based
Founder: Yu. He became the heir because of his great ability and contribution
to control the flood. He introduced the idea of Digging River to the ocean in
order to let the flood to leave. During Yu period, northern tribe kept invading
Xia. Yu led his army defeated those tribes. Because of his great contribution,
people call him, Da (Great) Yu. After him, his son became the emperor,
therefore, Xia was using a hereditary system.
Very legendary, not everyone believed that Xia Dynasty existed.
Big government systems: political advisor, lawmaker, tutor for nobility, tutor
for the emperor, diplomat, tribute barriers, etc.
Level of the government: Wang (emperor) ------ Zhu Hou (controls part of the
nation) ------ Da Fu (head of the major families)
Rule the country with morality
In Xia dynasty ruins, the most agricultural artifact that discovered are stone
tools, handicraft include metal work already.
Money of Xia dynasty has several different legendary. Some believe that they
used pearl, gold and knife-shaped metal money. There are also people
believed that shell money was the main type of money.
Xia united the area on earth, they created a god that was the ruler of all gods to
protect them.
Map appeared during Xia. From the legendary of Yu Regulate Waterways,
people learned a lot about mountains and rivers, recognized the four directions,
and the basic knowledge of calculate, measure, and sketch simple maps.
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Ding, made during Qi (second emperor of Xia). It represent
power, united, and thriving.
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Language of Xia. This is the back of pattern.
Discript the end of Xia dynasty, Jie the emperor was very dissolute and
wicked, and wouldn’t listen to any advising.
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Jade Yue, Yue is a kind of weapon, but jade yue is too
crisp to use as a weapon, so later became used in ceremonies.