1600 BC – 1590 BCs

Events in 1600 BC – 1590 BC 2

• 2070 BC – 1600 BC Xia Dynasty China's legendary first dynasty — c.2070–1600 BC The Xia is traditionally regarded as China's first dynasty, founded by Yu the Great who tamed the great floods by building canals. Archaeological evidence at Erlitou suggests a complex society existed in this period, though the Xia remains partly legendary. The dynasty established the principle of hereditary succession that would define Chinese governance for millennia.
• 1600 BC – 1046 BC Shang Dynasty First historically verified dynasty — oracle bones and bronze The Shang dynasty is the earliest Chinese dynasty confirmed by archaeological evidence. Its kings communicated with ancestors through oracle bone inscriptions — the earliest form of Chinese writing. The Shang excelled in bronze casting, producing ritual vessels of extraordinary craftsmanship. Their capital at Yin (modern Anyang) was excavated in the 20th century, revealing a sophisticated urban civilisation.