Page 8 - China
P. 8
Prehistoric China
The first Chinese civilization was in the Yellow River Valley.
It was part of the Xia (she-AH) dynasty. The Xia ruled from about
2000 to 1600 b.c.
King Qi (CHI) established a hereditary (huh-RED-uh-tair-ee)
system of leadership. That means that the new ruler was always related
to the previous one. A king’s son usually became the next king. The
Shang tribe overthrew this dynasty around 1600 b.c.
There were many lakes and marshes in ancient China. The first
farmers settled along the Yellow River. Pottery and silk were important
products made during this era. The geography of China kept it separate
from other civilizations in the world. So, there was not a lot of trade
during this time.
Yellow River Valley
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