Xia Dynasty
/ˈʃɑː ˈdaɪnəsti/noun
The traditionally recognized first dynasty of ancient China, said to have ruled before the Shang dynasty.
Did you know?Chinese tradition dates the Xia to roughly 2070–1600 BCE, but scholars still debate whether the archaeological Erlitou culture can be definitively identified with it.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese, 1st millennium BCE
Old Chinese
夏
“The name Xia; its original meaning and etymology remain uncertain.”
Traditional chronology, c. 2070–1600 BCE
Chinese tradition
夏朝
“The Xia dynasty, described in later historical texts as China’s earliest hereditary dynasty.”
Middle Chinese, c. 7th century CE
Middle Chinese
夏
“The inherited Chinese dynastic name, reconstructed approximately as hæX.”
Ancient Greek, 4th century BCE
Greek
dynasteía
“Rule, dominion, or the power of a ruler; from dýnamis, meaning power or ability.”
Latin, Late Antiquity
Latin
dynastia
“A ruling family or succession of rulers.”
16th century
English
dynasty
“A succession of rulers from the same family; English adopted the word through French and Latin.”
Modern English
English
Xia Dynasty
“The conventional English name for the traditionally first dynasty of ancient China.”