Xiac. 2070–1600 BC

Xia: Timeline of Events (c. 2070–1600 BC)

The first hereditary dynasty recorded in the histories

Events in this period

• Founding of the Xia Dynastyc. 2070 BC

  Yu founded the Xia dynasty c. 2070 BC; after Yu's son Qi took the throne, hereditary succession replaced abdication and the world became “one family's,” making Xia China's first dynasty.

• Qijia culture2000 BCE

  The Qijia culture flourished in northwest China.

• Erlitou SiteLate Xia

  The Erlitou site in Yanshi, Henan, matches the late Xia capital; its palaces, bronze ritual vessels and turquoise dragon are key to the search for Xia culture.