History of China > Prehistoric China > Introduction

Prehistoric China

The Prehistoric Times refer to the period from about 1,700,000 years ago to the establishment of the Xia Dynasty in the 21 century BC. During this stage, great culture and civilization were achieved by the prehistoric Chinese.

The age of prehistoric was also called Stone age. It is because people who lived during this period developed the use of stone tools. According to the different implements people used then, the age is divided into two periods: the Paleolithic Age and the Neolithic Age.

With the development of Paleolithic age and Neolithic Age, great culture and civilization were achieved in these two period. They are Banpo culture and Huandi culture, Yangshao culture and Longshan culture. These culture made an important role in the establishment of Chinese spirit. Until today, Chinese worship Huangdi and believe Huangdi was Chinese common ancestor.

Besides Huangdi, there was other great man that produced great contribution to the history of China. Yu the great was the example of this age. He is known for controlling floods. Because of his contribution, people call him Dayu in Chinese with Da means great. It is the great effort of these great man that established the great culture of prehistoric age.

Compared to the Paleolithic Age, the Neolithic Age was a more advanced period. People built houses and began to farm by using grinding stones as their tools.

Extraordinary advancements were made during this period, whether in spinning and carving skills, or in vehicle making techniques, and music. The famous Yangshao Culture and Longshan Culture belonged to this age.

As life in Prehistoric Times was hard and full of challenges, people lived together to fight against terrible weather conditions and all kinds of natural disasters. The Chief was chosen according to one's ability in a system that was called the Abdication System.

There were three important chief in this period. They were Shun, Yao and Yu. Shun was recommended by the previous chief, Yao, and became his successor. Later, Yu became the chief because of his contribution to controlling floodwaters. This system continued until 2070 BC when Boyi was recommended by Yu and Qi. Yu's son killed Boyi and made himself the king.

Thus the Abdication System ended. The first dynasty - Xia hereafter came the forth ruling family in Chinese history.

As for civilization during the Prehistoric Times, myths and legends were the main content. Some of the best known are the legend about the Creation of the World by Pan Gu, the legend of the creation of the humans by Nvwa, and the legend of Dayu's control of water.