{xlii} List of Chinese Dynasties¹

Sage Ruler Yao r. c.2357–2257 BCE

Sage Ruler Shun r. c.2255–2205 BCE

Xia Dynasty c.2205–1766 BCE

Founder: Yu

Shang Dynasty (also called Yin) 1766–1122 BCE

Founder: King Tang

Zhou Dynasty c.1122–256 BCE

Founders: King Wen and his son, King Wu

Qin Dynasty 221–207 BCE

Han Dynasty 206 BCE–CE 220

Period of Disunion 220–581

Sui Dynasty 581–618

Tang Dynasty 618–906

Five Dynasties Period 907–960

Song Dynasty 960–1279

Northern Song 960–1126

Southern Song 1127–1279

Yuan Dynasty 1279–1368

Ming Dynasty 1338–1644

Qing Dynasty 1644–1912

1 These are according to traditional dating. Recent archaeological discoveries have resulted in changes in the very early periods.