Xia Dynasty dates to approximately 2070–1600 BCE. Oldest dynasty in Chinese historiography from Records of the Historian and Bamboo Annals. Existence unconfirmed by archaeology, deemed semi-legendary. Founded by Great Yu who received throne from Shun. Chinese archaeologists link it to Erlitou culture. Foreign scholars reject link due to absent written records. Further excavations needed for verification. Traditional dates vary from 2205–1766 BCE to 1989–1558 BCE. Modern Chinese project sets 2070–1600 BCE. Rulers portrayed as moral exemplars of wisdom and diligence. Concept stems from Confucian Mandate of Heaven during Eastern Zhou. Xia era idealized as golden age for rulers. Last king Jie was tyrant overthrown by Shang rebels. List of 17 kings includes Yu, Qi, Tai Kang, up to Jie. Reign lengths total around 471 years. Posthumous names used like Shi Hao. Some names prefixed with Xia, e.g., Xia Yu.