(ORDO NEWS) — In China, archaeologists have published the results of the next stage of excavations, which are being carried out at the site of the historical monument of Wadian. Remains of ritual sacrifices from the early Xia Dynasty and an unusual ceremonial structure have been found there.
According to CGTN, the finds were made during archaeological research at the Wadian site in Yuzhou, Henan province in central China. There is a large sacred complex here, which, presumably, was built around 2000 BC.
Earlier, archaeologists unearthed the remains of large ritual buildings, according to which they managed to date the complex itself.
Approximately 4,000 years ago, a decisive period began in the formation and development of the early Chinese state.
The Xia dynasty ruled in those days, and the city of Wadian was its capital. It was probably one of the largest and most important political, cultural and economic centers in the region.
New finds were made on the northwestern terrace of the settlement. Archaeologists have discovered a large rammed earth structure of a very unusual shape.
Its length along the north-south axis is 31 meters, along the west-east axis – 26 meters. The researchers note that it has a zigzag shape and covers an area of ​​about 800 square meters.
At the base of this strange object, archaeologists unearthed the remains of rich sacrifices, in particular the skeletons of various animals, as well as numerous mussel shells. Perhaps these shells are the remains of one or more feasts that were associated with ritual ceremonies held here.
The Wadian archaeological site was discovered in 1979. It covers an area of ​​about one square kilometer. The study of the history of its settlements is part of a large-scale project to study the origin of the entire Chinese civilization.
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