China: Emperor Ku (Diku), third of the legendary 'Five Emperors' (c.2436-2366 BCE).

Image numberPFH1169720TitleChina: Emperor Ku (Diku), third of the legendary 'Five Emperors' (c.2436-2366 BCE).Description

The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors (Sanhuang wudi; Wade-Giles: San-huang wu-ti) are a blend of mythological rulers and cultural heroes from ancient China dating loosely from the period from c.3500-2000 BCE. This represents the earliest period of recorded Chinese history and is regarded as largely mythological. In chronological terms it precedes the Xia Dynasty (c.2070-1600 BCE).

Photo creditPictures from History / Bridgeman Images