Core Insights - The discovery of an ancient city site from the Majiabang culture, dating back 6000 years, at the Wuxi Doushan site is significant as it represents the earliest known prehistoric city in the lower Yangtze River region [1][4] Archaeological Findings - The Doushan site covers an area of approximately 250,000 square meters and includes remnants from both the Majiabang and Songze cultures, indicating a large and culturally rich prehistoric settlement [1] - Excavation efforts have revealed a total of 194 tombs, 13 house sites, and 12 areas of red burnt earth, along with nearly 1800 artifacts including pottery, jade, and bronze items [6] - The excavation area has reached approximately 16,000 square meters, with findings such as deep ditches and walls suggesting careful planning and design of the Majiabang period city [3][4] Future Plans - The archaeological team plans to develop a medium- to long-term strategy for ongoing investigation and excavation at the Doushan site, aiming to systematically uncover its significance and value [6]

记者9月25日从江苏省文物考古研究院获悉，位于江苏省无锡市的斗山遗址揭示出马家浜文化时期 城址，年代距今约6000年，这是首次在长江下游揭示出马家浜文化时期城址。 斗山遗址位于无锡市锡山区锡北镇斗山村西侧，东北紧靠横山，南临黄泥坝河，整体地势北高南 低。遗址北距长江约30公里，南距太湖约25公里，面积约25万平方米，主要包含马家浜文化与崧泽文化 遗存，是一处规模较大、遗迹密集、内涵丰富的史前聚落遗址。经国家文物局批准，江苏省文物考古研 究院与中国社会科学院考古研究所、国家文物局考古研究中心、南京大学、上海博物馆、无锡市文物考 古研究所组成联合考古队开展考古发掘。截至目前，考古发掘面积约16000平方米。 6000年前的史前城址长啥样？记者在现场看到，遗址西北部发掘出内外两道墙和三道壕沟，北部、 东部和南部探沟中亦可见墙与壕沟。城址总体平面呈圆角方形，其中内墙及其外侧壕沟可以完整闭合。 遗址西北部有一条东西向的现代河道穿过遗址，在河道南壁剖面，清晰可见马家浜文化时期的内墙、外 墙与壕沟，其中保存完好的内墙部分高有1米多。斗山城址充分依托塔山，从塔山东西两侧修筑出北 墙，墙体大部分是用较为纯净的黄土修筑，部分墙体 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the archaeological significance of the Chenghu site, highlighting its historical importance and the discoveries made there, particularly related to the Liangzhu culture and its early writing symbols [1][10]. Archaeological Discoveries - Chenghu was originally a lake approximately 45 square kilometers in size, known for its rich archaeological finds, including over 1,200 artifacts from various periods, spanning 5,000 years from the Neolithic to the Tang and Song dynasties [2][11]. - Excavations revealed remnants of a Neolithic settlement from the Songze culture, including housing structures, water systems, and rice paddies, indicating advanced agricultural practices [3][4]. Cultural Artifacts - The artifacts from the Liangzhu culture are particularly notable, featuring pottery that reflects artistic creativity, such as animal-shaped vessels and intricately designed pots with symbolic engravings [4][5][6]. - A significant find includes a pottery vessel with engraved symbols, which has sparked considerable academic interest regarding the origins of Chinese writing, suggesting that these symbols may represent an early form of written language [7][9]. Historical Context - The article outlines the historical evolution of the Chenghu area, noting its prominence during the Wu and Yue states in ancient China, and how it transitioned from a thriving settlement to being submerged under water due to natural and human-induced changes [10][12]. - The formation of Chenghu as a lake is attributed to climatic changes and human activities, particularly during the Song dynasty, which led to significant flooding and the eventual disappearance of the ancient settlements [12][14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of the Cidun archaeological site in Changzhou, highlighting its cultural richness and historical importance in the context of the Liangzhu culture and the broader Yangtze River Delta civilization [1][12]. Archaeological History - The Cidun site, an oval-shaped earth mound approximately 20 meters high, was first discovered in 1973 when villagers found jade artifacts from the Liangzhu culture [2]. - From 1978 to 1995, multiple archaeological investigations were conducted, uncovering over 2,200 square meters of the site, primarily focusing on the Liangzhu culture noble burial grounds [2]. Key Findings - The Cidun site has been included in the "Archaeological China - Civilization Patterns in the Lower Yangtze Region" research project since 2016, with significant discoveries made since 2019, including burial sites and architectural remains from the Songze and Liangzhu cultures, dating back approximately 5,500 to 4,500 years [3]. - The site features a range of archaeological remains, including residential areas, burial sites, and ritual zones, covering an area of 100 meters in length and 80 meters in width [4]. Cultural Artifacts - Artifacts from the site include pottery, jade, stone, and bone tools, reflecting the production, lifestyle, and cultural aspects of the local residents around 5,000 years ago [9][10]. - The pottery from the Songze culture is characterized by gray and red clay, while Liangzhu culture pottery includes a variety of forms, such as large ceremonial vessels and intricately decorated jars [9][10]. Social Structure - The burial sites indicate a social stratification during the Songze culture period, with evidence of wealth disparities among the deceased, suggesting a complex social structure [12]. - The discovery of large-scale wooden structures and intricate pottery indicates a high level of craftsmanship and social organization, reflecting the advanced state of the society at that time [12]. Cultural Connections - The presence of artifacts with characteristics of the Dawenkou culture from Shandong suggests cultural exchanges between the lower Yangtze region and the Yellow River basin, indicating a broader interaction among ancient Chinese civilizations [14].