King Cheng Tang of Shang

Shang Dynasty

The Shang Dynasty or Yin Dynasty was, according to traditional sources, the second Chinese dynasty, after the Xia. They ruled in the northeastern regions of the area known as "China proper" in the Yellow River valley...

was the first ruling king of the Shang dynasty

Shang Dynasty

The Shang Dynasty or Yin Dynasty was, according to traditional sources, the second Chinese dynasty, after the Xia. They ruled in the northeastern regions of the area known as "China proper" in the Yellow River valley...

 in Chinese history. He overthrew Jie, the last ruler of the Xia dynasty

Xia Dynasty

The Xia Dynasty is the first dynasty in China to be described in ancient historical chronicles such as Bamboo Annals, Classic of History and Records of the Grand Historian. The Xia Dynasty was established by the legendary Yu the Great after Shun, the last of the Five Emperors gave his throne to him...

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Tang's given name is Lü(履). One of his ancestors is identified as Yilü(乙履), who was married to Jiandi(简狄), the daughter of Gaoxin(高辛氏). Yilu had a son called Yao Situ(尧司徒), who was appointed as vassal by the Xia King for his contribution to the people. Thirteen generations later, Tang's father was born, he was named Zhugui(主癸).