New Discoveries Unveiled at Liangzhu Ancient City Archaeological Site

The ancient city of Liangzhu, a significant archaeological site dating back to the Neolithic era in China, has recently revealed new discoveries that shed light on this ancient civilization. A press conference held by the National Cultural Heritage Administration in Beijing announced these findings, deepening our understanding of Liangzhu culture, which flourished between 5,300 to 4,300 years ago.

Liangzhu Culture: A Glimpse into Neolithic China

Named after its discovery in 1936 in Liangzhu, Zhejiang Province, the Liangzhu culture is renowned for its jade artifacts, many of which have been unearthed at the UNESCO-listed archaeological ruins. These jade pieces, found in various forms, are among the most distinctive features of the Liangzhu discoveries, highlighting the advanced craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the people.

Ongoing Archaeological Research and Breakthroughs

Supported by the “Archaeology China” project, the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology has been at the forefront of exploring the Liangzhu ruins. Their extensive research into the core settlement and its surrounding water conservancy system has led to significant breakthroughs in recent years. By investigating and excavating adjacent sites, archaeologists have gained a deeper understanding of the early stages of Liangzhu culture, its settlement structures, and the distribution of site clusters before the ancient city’s establishment.

Discoveries of Ancient Dams and Water Management

Recent excavations have uncovered nearly 20 dams in the area surrounding the ancient city, believed to have been constructed during the middle stages of Liangzhu culture. Seven of these dams date back approximately 5,000 years. This includes a complex high-sided dam structure, possibly designed for water diversion. These findings suggest advanced water management techniques were used by the Liangzhu people.

Three Phases of Liangzhu Development

The archaeological findings indicate that the Liangzhu site underwent three distinct phases of development. Initially, the area consisted of scattered settlements. This evolved into the construction of a sophisticated water conservancy system, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Liangzhu ancient city. This progression demonstrates the Liangzhu people’s growing expertise in settlement creation and urban construction.

Significance of Liangzhu Culture in Neolithic China

The recent discoveries at Liangzhu not only highlight the complexity of Neolithic urban planning and water management but also the evolving belief systems of the people. This provides significant insights into the origins of China’s Neolithic civilizations. The UNESCO recognition of Liangzhu archaeological ruins as a World Heritage site in 2019 further emphasizes its importance in understanding ancient human civilization.

In summary, the Liangzhu ancient city continues to be a treasure trove for archaeologists and historians, offering a window into the sophisticated society that existed thousands of years ago in Neolithic China. The ongoing excavations and research are crucial in piecing together the history of this remarkable civilization.

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