Definition: The Yellow Emperor, son of Shao-dian, is a legendary ruler and ancestor of the Chinese people who is said to have lived in the third millennium B.C. for 100-118 years. He is credited with having invented Chinese medicine, and having created various religious practices, including worship of the sun, moon, and five planets. The Yellow Emperor is credited with technological inventions like the compass and calendar.
"It is also believed there were many inventions originated from the time of Yellow Emperor, such as characters, ships and carts, medicines, music, sericiculture [Silk cultivation] and some daily utensils. Thus Huangdi was said to be the founder of Chinese civilization.He developed a strong army with which he defeated Shen Nongshi at Banquan (Henan Province).Huangdi is also regarded as the central god among the five gods in the heaven in Chinese mythology. " Source: Yellow Emperor
The wife of the Yellow Emperor was Xi Ling-Shi or Xilingshi, who is credited with discovering silk.
The Yellow Emperor is said to have ridden a dragon to Heaven to join the immortals when he died.
See Yellow Emperor, from About.com's China Online.
Also Known As: Huang Di
