The last of the Three Sovereigns, Huangdi ruled for 100 years and is considered an early founder of the Chinese nation due to his suppression of the southern barbarian tribes. He is further identified with the investigation of natural phenomena, especially minerals and plants, and therefore with the early growth of alchemy and medicine. Yao, the penultimate of legendary Five Emperors. Yao was noted for the benevolence of his rule despite his failed attempts to control the Yellow River, and his decision to set aside his sons and abdicate the throne to the virtuous Shun. Yu is best known for his organization of massive dike-building and irrigation projects to counter the floods which periodically devastated the north China plain.
Man s skull.
Man s skull. A view of the Yuncheng basin. A view of the Yuncheng basin, one key locale linked to the beginnings of Chinese history. This vast, arid, but fertile plain on the edge of the Shanxi province s Loess Plateau was among the earliest inhabited areas in north China, and is still a major crop producer. Hemudu neolithic settlement uncovered.