The First Dynasty: From Great Yu to King Jie

The story of how China's first dynasty rose from Yu's triumph over the floods, and fell through King Jie's tyranny, marking the transition from mythological to historical China.

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Key Historical Concepts


Tian Ming (天命) [tian-ming]
Divine right to rule based on virtue and good governance
Significance: Fundamental concept in Chinese political philosophy


Er Li Tou (二里头) [er-li-tou]
Archaeological site believed to be the Xia capital
Significance: Bridge between mythology and historical record


Yi Yin (伊尹) [yi-yin]
Legendary advisor to Tang of Shang
Significance: Model of wise counselor in Chinese tradition




Exploring Dynasty & Power


• How does the transition from merit-based to hereditary succession reflect changes in early Chinese society?


• What parallels can we draw between the fall of the Xia Dynasty and other historical examples of dynastic decline?


• How do archaeological discoveries like Erlitou help us understand the relationship between myth and history?


• What role does the concept of the Mandate of Heaven play in Chinese political thought?

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