by Maureen Leung

Created on: July 30, 2011   Last Updated: November 21, 2011

China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world.  Its history is almost 5,000 years old. The Chinese civilization began in a major river valley called the Yellow River Valley.  From there, the ancient history of China provides how Chinese civilization rise and fall into the hands of other dynasties and emperors.

It also provides myths and legends that shaped China. Such myths include three cultures heroes who invented writing, hunting and so forth.  Also, such legends include kings who ruled the kingdom with virtue and wisdom.  To trace back its history, one must first look from the prehistoric times to the Zhou Dynasty. 

The Paleolithic Age in the Chinese history is approximately from 300,000-10,000 years old. This Age is the Old Stone Age.  During the early period of the Paleolithic Age, humans were hunter-gathers.  They developed natural stone tools to hunt and scavenge wild animals for food.  They also learned how to use fires to warm or cook food. 

Later, humans developed advanced tools and decorations.  Tools were more finely crafted than before, and decorations were made of animal bones or teeth.  Some decorations were also made of rocks.  Moreover, some decorations showed pictures and colors.

As hominids became more like humans during the late Paleolithic Age, they developed techniques to gather food.  This led to the Neolithic Age.  The Neolithic Age (New Stone Age) in the Chinese history is approximately from 6000-2100 B.C.  During this period, humans no longer live in caves.  They began to build houses to live in, and separate themselves from different clans who had the same kin and ancestors. 

Humans also no longer collected food from nature.  Humans farmed lands, raised livestock, and planted seeds for vegetables.  They also cultivated rice, grains, and millet.  In addition, humans developed more advanced tools and handicrafts than in the Paleolithic Age.  The tools were made to cut meat and other food.  Handicrafts were made in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

When the Neolithic Age ended, the Xia Dynasty (2100-1600 B.C.) began.  Its capital is at the western part of Henan Province and the northern part of Shanxi Province. The Xia Dynasty is considered a first dynasty in Chinese history.  Also, this dynasty is considered the premier society. 

Yu the Great, who founded the Xia Dynasty, ruled with virtue and wisdom. 

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