TOP 10 2023 archeological discoveries in Zhejiang: Part I
Chenwang Relic Site in Fenghua District, Ningbo
ᆱ⌒ཹॆ䱸⦻䚇൰
This relic site spans the tributaries of Fenghua River, covering an area of 7,800 square meters. Last year, the local archeological department collaborated with Nanjing University and Renmin University of China, unearthing around 2,500 square meters with fruitful findings.
About 600 pieces of artifacts were unearthed from 77 pits, ranging from the Neolithic Period to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The antiquities from the Hemudu Neolithic Period dominate the findings, including carbonized wooden fences, claypiled platforms, graves and primitive pottery.
Different layers of land testify this area has been a constant settlement along the lower reaches of Fenghua River. It provides an abundance of materials to learn about the lifestyles and burial rituals throughout millennia.
Shenjiafan Relic Site in Tonglu County, Hangzhou
ᶝᐎẀᓀ⊸ᇦ⭸䚇൰
Ancient people often dwelled along rivers, and the ancestors of the Liangzhu Civilization were no exception. Liangzhu relic sites are scattered across the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Its core area, in Hangzhou’s Yuhang District, has been under excavation for more than 80 years.
During recent decades, more and more Neolithic relic sites believed to be parts of the Liangzhu Civilization have been found in the area. Last year, a new site was discovered at the confluence of the Qianxi and Fenshui rivers in Tonglu County.
Over 37,000 pieces of prehistory antiquities were found. The centerpieces are a large number of primitive stone tools of different shapes. They are evidence that our Liangzhu ancestors had already formed an entire chain of stone tool production, which fills the knowledge gap in the archeology study of Yangtze Delta.
Relic Site in Yuyao NO.1 Experimental Primary School
։ညㅜаᇎ傼ሿᆖ䚇൰ Artifacts dating to the Three Kingdoms (AD 220-280) and the Southern and Northern Dynasty(AD 420-589) were unearthed from the school’s playground. Archeologists found amounts of acorns from pits, which proved the nuts were a common staple along with rice and wheat for locals in that period.
Ancient wells and coins were highlights among the discoveries. Archeologists found piles of pottery and coins stacked inside the wells, but do not know why. It may be attributed to the social turbulence that happened in the year of AD 523. Perhaps fugitives chose to bury the coins instead of carrying them on the run.
According to the archives, the primary school was built on the