新华全媒头条·文明探源｜走进琉璃河遗址探寻北京“城之源”

Core Insights - The Liulihe site, recognized as the earliest urban relic in the Beijing area, dates back over 3,000 years and has been acknowledged as a significant archaeological discovery for 2024 [1] - The site has revealed a complex urban structure, including outer city walls and moats, expanding the previously estimated area from less than 600,000 square meters to approximately 1,000,000 square meters [2][3] - The findings at Liulihe provide crucial evidence for understanding the Western Zhou feudal system and the integration of Beijing into Central Plains civilization [4][5] Archaeological Discoveries - Recent excavations have uncovered a dual city wall structure, marking the first time such a feature has been identified in Western Zhou feudal sites [2][3] - The discovery of a large earthen building foundation, potentially the residence of the Yan lord, along with large earthen wells, indicates a sophisticated urban layout [5][6] - Over 930 archaeological sites, including earthworks, pits, and tombs, have been identified since 2019, showcasing the rapid development of archaeological research in China [6] Family and Social Structure Insights - Advanced DNA analysis has allowed researchers to reconstruct a four-generation family tree from the remains found in the site, providing insights into ancient social structures [7] - The discovery of multiple tombs suggests the presence of at least four generations of the Yan lord's family, contributing to the understanding of the Yan dynasty's lineage [8] Future Research Directions - Ongoing excavations aim to further explore the urban and burial sites to uncover more details about the civilization that once thrived in the area [9]