Core Insights - The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has released significant findings in technological archaeology and cultural heritage protection, focusing on the continuous use of indigenous grape species from 10,000 years ago to the Song and Jin dynasties, with the Erlitou site in Henan as a key example [1][5]. Group 1: Archaeological Findings - Archaeological evidence from four sites, including the Erlitou site, indicates that indigenous grape seeds were utilized by early Bronze Age populations, dating back approximately 1,000 to 6,000 years [2]. - The morphology of ancient grape seeds suggests they resemble wild grape species, with no significant changes indicating domestication, raising questions about ancient cultivation practices [4]. - The discovery of carbonized grape plants near the Erlitou site suggests that ancient populations may have begun cultivating indigenous grape species during the Erlitou culture period [4]. Group 2: Historical Context - Historical records indicate that prior to the introduction of Eurasian grape varieties during the Han dynasty, indigenous grape resources were already being utilized by ancient populations [5]. - The coexistence of indigenous and Eurasian grape varieties suggests a long-term shared usage rather than a complete replacement of local resources [5]. Group 3: Erlitou Site Significance - The Erlitou site, believed to be a late capital of the Xia dynasty, has been under archaeological investigation since 1959, revealing a vast area of approximately 3 million square meters and significant bronze artifacts [9]. - Recent technological analyses of over 60 years of findings from the Erlitou site have identified eight types of bronze materials, indicating a transition from early to more refined bronze production [10]. - The sourcing of copper materials from the Zhongtiao Mountains in southern Shanxi confirms the Erlitou state's capability to manage long-distance resource acquisition, highlighting the complexity of early state governance [12].

Group 1 - The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences released seven significant archaeological findings that challenge existing perceptions of Chinese civilization and its interactions with other cultures [1] - Key discoveries include evidence of early interactions among different ethnic groups in Inner Mongolia during the Eastern Zhou period, which supports the formation of a "multicultural" framework in Chinese civilization [1] - The research also highlights the origins and spread of early soda-lime glass in China, reconstructing the transmission model of Mediterranean glass technology [1] Group 2 - The study of indigenous grape varieties in China reveals a long history of utilization, with evidence of local grape species dating back to around 10,000 years ago [2][3] - Research indicates that indigenous grapes were not completely replaced by Eurasian varieties after their introduction, as both types coexisted during various historical periods [3] - The findings suggest that the cultivation of indigenous grapes likely began during the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age, correlating with advancements in agriculture and social stratification [3] Group 3 - The excavation of rare Tang dynasty ceramic dragon heads in Hebei province provides new insights into architectural elements of that era, with very few such artifacts remaining [4][5] - The restoration process of the dragon heads utilized advanced technology, revealing intricate details about their construction and artistic techniques [5] - The discoveries contribute to the understanding of dragon culture in China and serve as important evidence of the historical significance of the Xiong'an New Area [5]

Core Insights - The article highlights the discovery of the Mabuco site in Tibet, which is the only Neolithic lakeside site among the "Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries of 2024" in China, providing insights into how ancient humans adapted to the high-altitude environment of the Tibetan Plateau [1][2] Group 1: Archaeological Significance - The Mabuco site is located in the highest and oldest area of the Tibetan Plateau, dating back 4,000 years, with an area of approximately 224,000 square meters [2] - The site has yielded numerous animal bones, prompting research into whether the ancient inhabitants engaged in agriculture, pastoralism, or hunting [2][4] Group 2: Technological Advances in Archaeology - The use of ancient DNA extraction and high-throughput sequencing allows researchers to determine whether the animal bones are from domesticated or wild species, indicating early pastoral activities among the Mabuco people [4] - Technological archaeology enables a deeper understanding of the relationships between humans, animals, and the environment, revealing details of the Mabuco inhabitants' daily lives [5] Group 3: Dietary Insights - Research indicates that the early Mabuco inhabitants practiced both pastoralism and fishing, with fish being the primary food source, as evidenced by stable isotope analysis of human and fish remains [8][10] - The analysis shows that human nitrogen isotopes are higher than those of fish, confirming fish as a major dietary component [8] Group 4: Environmental Context - The ancient Galaru Lake, which was significantly larger than today, provided a stable ecosystem that supported year-round habitation for the Mabuco people [10][13] - The discovery of seasonal growth patterns in fish bones suggests that the ancient inhabitants were active throughout the year, with two-thirds of fish found to have died in summer and one-third in winter [11][13]

Core Insights - The integration of modern science and technology is significantly transforming Chinese archaeology, enhancing research precision and revealing unprecedented details [1][2][4] Group 1: Technological Advancements in Archaeology - The application of new materials and methods, such as the analysis of obsidian from the Jilin and Longdong cave sites, has uncovered both local and foreign sources, highlighting the circulation network of obsidian in East Asia [1] - The use of strontium isotope analysis in five of the shortlisted projects indicates a growing emphasis on studying material culture exchange networks and ancient migration behaviors [2] - Ground-penetrating radar and geomagnetic exploration techniques have led to the discovery of large stone structures at the Huangpi Panlong City site, marking the first identification of similar stone architecture in the late phase of the Yangtze River basin's Xia and Shang sites [2] Group 2: Preservation and Management of Cultural Relics - The collaboration between archaeological teams and conservation experts has strengthened the protection of artifacts, exemplified by the use of menthol reinforcement technology at the Huainan Wuwangdun No. 1 tomb [3] - A digital management platform for archaeological sites has been established, allowing for precise scanning and comprehensive recording of archaeological information, which supports future display, retrieval, and management [3] - The excavation of 882 wooden coffins, weighing nearly 200 tons, has been documented through promotional videos that illustrate the construction process, providing insights into the social hierarchy and rituals associated with the Wuwangdun No. 1 tomb [3]