It is not fortuitous that the first civilizations developed around rivers. These bodies of water helped cradle these early societies, very few of which still prosper today. Many have been transformed and annexed by another civilization or demolished in a calamity. Yet some have only faced minor continuities and changes throughout their existence. One of those lasting societies is the civilizations of China.
The first civilization of China sprouted along the Huang He (Yellow) River. These small Neolithic societies were able to settle and create a stable community because of the static water source. When nomadic groups settle down and begin to produce food instead of looking for it, people are able to accept roles and can focus on building and expanding their community. This is their Neolithic Revolution which is a major stepping stone that starts the beginning of Chinese culture. In the estimated time of 6,000-7000 B.C.E, societies around the Yangtze River in the south began to cultivate rice and wheat and millet were being grown in the north. To make agriculture more efficient, these societies began to alter their land. The societies in the north cleared forests and built dams. The south also cleared land to plant rice and began to flatten uneven land to fit their needs. These changes show how the civilizations were advancing by attempting to change the very land the walk upon. Around 2000 B.C.E, the Chinese began to use bronze which they were able create various items from pottery to weapons.
The first historically verifiable dynasty of Chinese civilization is the Shang dynasty, which also emerged near the Huang He River. It established a thriving state, a legion of warriors that it was able to feed and equip, and it already began to conquest to expand its’ borders. As they conquered other tribes, their state began to expand, which is a milestone in the famous