1. Ancient Chinese Dynasties

2. The “First” Dynasty c. 2070 BC – 1600 BC Huang He River Valley
Agricultural
May have had written symbols
No flood control
Little centralized government

3. Emperor Yu Mythological founder of China Drained floodwaters
Established a line of kings- the Xia

4. Irrigation and simple flood control Organized government
The Shang
Invaded the Xia c B.C.
Irrigation and simple flood control
Organized government
China’s (official) first dynasty
Urged Xia people to abandon their kings and join the Shang:
“I would have stand by my side… to bring upon him [the Xia leader] Heaven’s punishment. I will greatly reward you. Do not ye disbelieve me. I do not eat my words. If you do not follow the words of this vow, I will slay you and all your offspring and none will be forgiven.”

5. Yu the Great Asd5.org Unit 4 – China “2.Yu the Great”
We will read the text together as a class
Take out a sheet of paper
Answer the questions about Yu from the reading – found at the bottom of the page