Beijing, China – New archaeological discoveries at the Liangzhu ancient city ruins and its expansive water conservancy system were unveiled during a press conference by the National Cultural Heritage Administration on Wednesday. These findings shed fresh light on the ingenuity and sophistication of the Neolithic Liangzhu culture, dating back between 5,300 to 4,300 years ago.
Originally discovered in 1936 in Zhejiang Province, the Liangzhu culture is renowned for its remarkable jade artifacts, which have captivated historians and archaeologists worldwide. The UNESCO-listed site has long been a treasure trove of historical relics, but the latest breakthroughs promise to deepen our understanding of this enigmatic civilization.
With support from the “Archaeology China” project, the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology has intensified its research efforts. The team has been focusing on the core settlement areas of the Liangzhu ruins and the surrounding water conservancy systems, which are considered marvels of ancient engineering. These structures highlight the advanced societal organization and technological capabilities of the Liangzhu people.
“The new discoveries not only provide insight into the daily lives and rituals of the Liangzhu culture but also underscore their significant contributions to early human civilization,” said a spokesperson from the National Cultural Heritage Administration.
The archaeological team’s findings include a variety of jade artifacts in unprecedented forms, suggesting a complex societal hierarchy and rich cultural heritage. Additionally, the exploration of the water conservancy system reveals sophisticated hydraulic engineering, which played a crucial role in the city’s agriculture and sustained its large population.
The ongoing research at Liangzhu holds great significance for understanding the origins of Chinese civilization and offers invaluable information for scholars and enthusiasts alike. As excavations continue, the world eagerly anticipates further revelations from this ancient city.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
