Prehistoric China

Prehistoric China refers to the period in China's history from the earliest known evidence of human presence, more than 1.2 million years ago, to the establishment of the Xia Dynasty in the 21st century BCE. This period is characterized by the development of primitive tools, the emergence of a settled agricultural society, and the beginnings of Chinese civilization.

Paleolithic China

The Paleolithic era, also known as the Old Stone Age, in China is represented by the Peking Man and Lantian Man, who were Homo erectus specimens discovered in the early 20th century. These early humans used simple stone tools and survived by hunting and gathering.

Neolithic China

The Neolithic era, or New Stone Age, in China saw significant advancements in technology and social organization. This period is characterized by the development of pottery, the domestication of plants and animals, and the emergence of complex societies and cultures such as the Yangshao culture and the Longshan culture.

Bronze Age China

The Bronze Age in China is marked by the emergence of the Xia Dynasty, the first dynasty in traditional Chinese historiography. This period saw the development of bronze technology, complex social structures, and early forms of Chinese writing.

See also

• History of China
• Neolithic China
• Bronze Age China

External links

• Britannica Online Encyclopedia: Prehistoric societies