历时60余年，几代考古工作者在琉璃河遗址开展考古发掘工作—— 探寻北京“城之源”（赓续历史文脉·考古故事）

Core Viewpoint - The Liuli River site in Beijing's Fangshan District is the largest known Western Zhou period site in the Yanshan southern foothills, recognized for its extensive archaeological significance and rich cultural artifacts, including bronze, lacquer, jade, and pottery items. It has been selected as one of the top ten archaeological discoveries in China for 2024 [1][10]. Archaeological Discoveries - The site has undergone extensive excavations since its discovery in 1945, revealing a wealth of artifacts, including the renowned Jin Ding and Bo Ju Li from the Capital Museum [1]. - Recent excavations have confirmed the existence of an outer city wall and moat, expanding the site from less than 600,000 square meters to approximately 1,000,000 square meters, with 12-16 layers of deposits indicating the city's construction and abandonment timeline [2][5]. Historical Significance - The Liuli River site is pivotal in understanding Beijing's 3,000-year history of urban development, marking it as the earliest known urban civilization in the region [10]. - The discovery of inscriptions on bronze vessels has confirmed the site as the capital of the Yan state during the Western Zhou period, further solidifying its historical importance [4]. Multidisciplinary Collaboration - The recent archaeological efforts have involved collaboration among various institutions, employing advanced techniques such as carbon-14 dating, isotopic analysis, and organic residue analysis to enhance understanding of the site's historical context [5][6]. - The establishment of an archaeological geographic information system has allowed for detailed mapping and modeling of the site, showcasing the complexity of urban planning during the Western Zhou period [6]. Educational Initiatives - The Liuli River site has become a focal point for educational activities, including international field schools that engage students from various countries in archaeological practices, promoting cross-cultural understanding of archaeological methodologies [8]. - Public engagement initiatives have allowed families to experience archaeology firsthand, fostering a deeper appreciation for the site's historical and cultural significance [7]. Future Developments - Plans are underway to create an archaeological park at the Liuli River site, aimed at showcasing China's archaeological heritage and providing a space for public interaction with history [9].