Political Organization in Early China
Subject:
Political Organization in Early China
A. Early Agricultural Society and the Xia Dynasty
1) The Yellow River
a. Water source at high plateau of Tibet
b. Loess soil carried by the river’s water, hence “yellow”
c. “China’s Sorrow”--extensive flooding
d. Loess provided rich soil, soft and easy to work
2) Neolithic societies after 5000 B.C.E.
a. Yangshao society, 5000-3000 B.C.E.
b. Excavations at Banpo village: fine pottery, bone tools
3) The Xia Dynasty
a. Archeological discovery of the Xia is still in its early stages
b. Established about 2200 B.C.E.
c. Legendary King Yu, the dynasty founder, a hero of flood
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