Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in Balizhuang, Anyang, Henan province. The site dates back to the middle Neolithic period, providing valuable insights into the daily lives of ancient inhabitants over 7,000 years ago.
Through extensive excavations, a vivid picture of these people is emerging, based on the numerous archaeological materials found. It is becoming increasingly clear that these people lived a stable life, as evidenced by the well-preserved remains and artifacts discovered at the site.
The settlement, which was mainly occupied by the Peiligang culture, highlights the development of a handicraft industry, indicating that these people were skilled at crafting a variety of objects, such as pottery and tools. In addition, they also had a sophisticated understanding of fishing and hunting, which would have been crucial for their survival.
This discovery provides an exciting opportunity for archaeologists to better understand the history and cultural evolution of the region. By studying the remains and artifacts unearthed at the site, researchers will be able to piece together a clearer picture of the ancient inhabitants of Balizhuang and their way of life.
This discovery represents a significant contribution to our understanding of ancient Chinese history and culture, and will undoubtedly pave the way for further discoveries and insights into the past.
According to Shen Wenxi, a deputy researcher at the Institute of Anyang City Cultural Relics and Archaeology, the recently discovered ancient settlement site in Balizhuang, Henan province is irregularly oval in shape, measuring about 230 meters from east to west and 150 meters from north to south, with a total area of approximately 27,000 square meters. Archaeologists estimate that the site dates back to between 7,400 and 7,800 years ago.
During the excavation, archaeologists discovered a fossilized riverbed on the southwest side of the site. The river flowed roughly from northwest to southeast and was around 100 meters wide. Experts believe that the people who lived at the Balizhuang site likely relied on the river for their livelihood.
The site’s strata are well-defined and contain a rich array of cultural relics, indicating that the ancient inhabitants lived a stable life and developed a thriving handicraft industry. They also demonstrated advanced skills in fishing and hunting, according to the archaeological materials found at the site.
The cultural relics found at the Balizhuang site are remarkably well-preserved. Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, and animal bones, that provide valuable insights into the daily lives of the ancient inhabitants.
The discovery of this ancient settlement site in Balizhuang is a significant breakthrough in the study of the Peiligang culture. The site’s well-preserved cultural relics and clear strata will provide valuable research material for future archaeological studies in the region.
The discovery of this ancient settlement site is an exciting development for archaeologists and historians, shedding new light on the lives of the people who lived in the area over 7,000 years ago. The site’s abundant archaeological materials and good preservation will undoubtedly contribute to our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization.
During the archaeological explorations in the Balizhuang site, the researchers discovered red burned earth blocks, which were found to be widely distributed in the area. The majority of these blocks exhibited plant stalk marks, leading to the preliminary conclusion that they were likely fragments of earth walls that once formed the houses of the inhabitants.
In addition to the earth blocks, the researchers also found the remains of what appeared to be semi-underground cave foundations at the site. These structures likely served as a type of dwelling for the ancient inhabitants of the area. Furthermore, several rectangular or oval ash pits were also discovered, indicating that the people used these for disposing of waste or for conducting certain rituals.
Kong Deming, one of the team leaders involved in the exploration, provided additional insight into the findings. According to Deming, the ash pits may have been used as fire pits or kilns, which were common features in Neolithic cultures. These pits were also found to contain a large quantity of ash, indicating that they may have been used for a prolonged period of time.
The discoveries made at the Balizhuang site provide valuable insights into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of the area. By analyzing the various artifacts and structures found at the site, researchers can gain a better understanding of how the people lived, worked, and interacted with their environment. These findings also shed light on the development of handicraft industries and fishing and hunting skills in the middle Neolithic period.