Yu the Great

According to legend, Yu the Great devised a system of dredging and channeling to control the catastrophic flooding of the Yellow River. His success in flood control earned him the favor of the sage-king Shun, who later abdicated in his favor.

Yu the Great established the Xia dynasty, traditionally considered the first dynasty in Chinese history. He divided the realm into nine provinces and instituted a hereditary succession, breaking the previous system of abdication to the most capable.

Yu the Great ordered the casting of nine bronze tripod cauldrons, each symbolizing one of the nine provinces of China. These cauldrons became symbols of imperial authority and were passed down through successive dynasties.