Ancient
Dynasties in China
In Chinese mythology, the civilization
of China began with Pangu, who is the creator of the universe.
Chinese civilization went on with the series after the sage-emperors
and culture heroes, the renowned ones are Huang Di, Yao and Shun.
These emperors were known for having taught the ancient Chinese to
find things for clothing, shelter and food.
In todays date, three old Chinese
dynasties are being named as legendry. The characteristic traits
for all types of Chinese dynasties help us know better the
characteristics of Chinese culture. All other traditions that got
developed in the later period were inspired from the unique cultural
characteristics of China ever since China got evolved. Many
historians have found the basics of Chinese culture and traditions
evolved therefrom in China for many centuries.
The first prehistoric dynasty to have
come into existence was Xia Dynasty, which took place between 21st
to 16th centuries BC. The Xia dynasty had more of myths
imbibed in the Chinese culture during that period. After certain
scientific excavations took place at early Bronze Age sites in Henan
Province of China in 1928, they were able to separate the existing
myths from reality. Post this period and during 1960s and 1970s,
archaeologists were able to find urban sites, bronze implements and
tombs that indicated the presence of Xia civilization in the
locations as mentioned in old Chinese history. To some extent, the
Xia period brought development between the late Neolithic cultures
and the Chinese urban civilization of that of the Shang dynasty.
Archaeologists found many locations in
the Huang He Valley that traced back to the Shang dynasty that
continued from 1700 to 1027 BC. The Shang dynasty (later called the
Yin Dynasty) was founded by a rebel leader who believed to have
overthrown the last emperor of Xia dynasty. The Shang dynasty
focused on agriculture, hunting and animal husbandry. It also
developed a Chinese writing system and the usage of bronze
metallurgy. Many ceremonial bronze vessels were made with
inscriptions from the Shang period denoting a high level of
civilization.
Many Shang kings ruled over the entire
northern China for quite a much longer period and won battles
against neighboring countries and nomadic herdsmen from within the
Asia. Development of court rituals to deal with spirits and honor
sacred ancestors also took place; the king was regarded as the head
of the worshipping of spirits and sacred ancestors.
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