Shang Dynasty
Zhou Dynasty
The Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were the first known Chinese dynasties. The Xia dynasty, 2200-1700 BCE, was the first dynasty and was started by Yu the Great's son, Qi. From then on Chinese emperors were sons of the emperors before them. These three dynasties were the start of a new form of government, and began during prehistoric and Neolithic times. Information on each dynasty and its important rulers, accomplishments, and battles is sorted by dynasty at the left of each page.