Xia is a legendary dynasty in ancient Chinese history, believed to have existed around 2070 to 1600 BCE. It is often considered the first dynasty in traditional Chinese historiography, marking the transition from prehistoric to historic times. The Xia dynasty is associated with the establishment of hereditary rule and the development of early Chinese civilization. The historical existence of the Xia dynasty is debated among scholars, as there are limited archaeological findings to confirm its details. However, it is often linked to the Yu the Great, a legendary figure credited with flood control and the founding of the dynasty. The Xia dynasty is significant in Chinese culture and mythology, influencing later dynasties like the Shang and Zhou.