Archaeologists have unlocked a pivotal piece of ancient Chinese history with the precise dating of Sanxingdui's enigmatic sacrificial pits. At the 2025 Sanxingdui Forum in Sichuan, researchers revealed that Pits Nos. 3, 4, 6, and 8 were used between 1201 BC and 1012 BC—a breakthrough confirming their activity during the late Shang Dynasty.
A collaborative study by the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and Peking University employed advanced radiocarbon dating techniques, achieving 95.4% statistical certainty. This timeline aligns with the Shang Dynasty's zenith, offering fresh insights into the ritual practices and technological sophistication of China's Bronze Age civilizations.
"This discovery bridges gaps in our understanding of regional cultural exchanges," noted lead archaeologist Dr. Li Wei. The findings underscore Sanxingdui's role as a hub of innovation, distinct yet interconnected with the Central Plains civilizations.
For investors and historians alike, the data provides a clearer framework to assess Sichuan's cultural economy, while travelers gain deeper context for one of Asia's most mysterious archaeological sites. As excavations continue, Sanxingdui promises to reshape narratives of early Chinese societal development.
