An ancient irrigation site was recently discovered in the Nanhu
(south lake) area in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, after having been buried
underground for thousands of years. Archeologists had unearthed
some wooden logs, wooden tools, porcelain, and stone artifacts on
the site.
In 1989, archeologists excavated hundreds of artifacts made
during the Majiabang Culture and Liangzhu Culture Periods. The
Majiabang Culture period dated back some 7,000 -- 6,000 years ago
and the Liangzhu Culture period dated back some 5,300 -- 4,000 from
now.
When archeologists were doing some excavation work in the Nanhu
Lake area this year, they discovered an ancient river channel that
measured 3 meters deep and ran in the direction of east to west.
More than one hundred wood piles were found in a row on the
riverside, extending 40 meters in length and measuring 10-15
centimeters in diameter. Archeologists hypothesized that the site
might be the location of an irrigation project and the wooden logs
might be used as a fence to keep away rubbish on the river.
The discovery indicates that this was a residential quarter in
ancient times and there might be some ruins of villages nearby.
Archeologists say that such ancient irrigation project was rarely
seen in China before and it thus was very significant for the study
of prehistoric culture.
When taking the sand from the river, archeologists excavated
large numbers of artifact pieces. About one hundred of the
artifacts are found intact or can be repaired. Most of these are
tools or daily necessities, made during the Liangzhu Culture period
or even earlier.
Experts also found some plant and animal remains. There are ox
head skulls and dog head bones, indicating that people raised these
animals at that time. They also found a couple of glossy ganoderma
and a half-eaten persimmon, all discovered for the first time. The
fruits and animals show that four thousand years ago, our ancestors
had plenty to eat. They provide valuable reference for scientists
to study ancient people's lifestyle and the environment they lived
in.
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(CRI.com November 2, 2006)