Core Insights - The discovery of the Mengxi River site provides significant archaeological evidence that enriches the understanding of human history and the origins of Chinese civilization [1][2][3] - The findings, including ancient plant seeds and animal fossils, suggest that early humans in East Asia were more complex and innovative than previously thought, challenging the notion of a "bottleneck" in human evolution in the region [1][2] Group 1: Archaeological Discoveries - The Mengxi River site has revealed four varieties of Sichuan pepper, indicating that the culinary culture of "spicy China" may have originated in the Paleolithic era [1] - The site, dating back 60,000 years, provides a new perspective on the lifestyle of early humans in China, contributing to the understanding of the origins of Chinese civilization [1][2] - The excavation has uncovered a wealth of plant remains, including hundreds of thousands of seeds, which rewrite the history of early plant utilization and reflect the beginnings of agricultural civilization [2] Group 2: Historical Context - The archaeological evidence from the Mengxi River site supports the existence of ancient humans in China dating back 2 million years, with significant sites identified in Shaanxi and Hebei provinces [2] - The findings from the site, including systematic evidence of fire use and complex activities, are crucial for studying the origins and evolution of modern humans in East Asia [1][2] - The ongoing archaeological work is expected to yield more significant discoveries that could further reshape the understanding of human evolution and the origins of civilization in China [3]

Core Findings - The discovery of 35 well-preserved wooden artifacts dating back 300,000 years at the Gantangqing site represents a significant archaeological achievement, marking the earliest known wooden tools in East Asia [1][2][3] - The research was published in the prestigious journal "Science," highlighting the importance of this multidisciplinary study [1] Archaeological Significance - The wooden tools were primarily made from pine species (approximately 70%), with a small percentage from other types, indicating a diverse use of local resources [2] - The tools exhibit clear signs of human modification, with specific designs for digging edible plant roots, showcasing advanced tool-making skills of early humans [2][3] - The findings contribute to understanding the cultural and technological characteristics of Paleolithic humans in East Asia, filling a gap in the study of wooden artifacts from this period [3] Research Methodology - The research team employed various dating methods, including paleobiostratigraphy and optically stimulated luminescence, to confirm the age of the artifacts [2] - A comprehensive analysis of the site's geomorphology and stratigraphy helped explain the preservation of these ancient wooden tools [2] Comparative Analysis - Compared to wooden tools found in European and African sites, the Gantangqing artifacts are more diverse, particularly in the prevalence of small, handheld tools [2] - The simultaneous discovery of stone tools, bone artifacts, and plant remains at the site is rare in global Paleolithic archaeological contexts, underscoring the site's significance [2]

Core Insights - The Nanhuh River site is the first Paleolithic open-air site discovered in Hainan, providing significant archaeological value and insights into prehistoric human activities in the region [1][4]. Summary by Sections Discovery and Excavation - The Nanhuh River site, located in Baisha Li Autonomous County, was discovered in 2023 and confirmed as a Paleolithic cultural site with over 6,000 stone artifacts and more than 20,000 screened stone products [1][3]. - The excavation is scheduled from September to December 2024, conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hainan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, and Sun Yat-sen University [1]. Archaeological Significance - The site is noted for its well-preserved evidence of human stone tool production and other life activities, indicating a rich cultural layer and a significant archaeological find in Hainan [3][4]. - It is characterized as the largest, best-preserved, and most culturally rich prehistoric open-air site known in Hainan, with a clear chronological sequence [3]. Cultural Context - The stone artifacts from the site exhibit characteristics of southern China's pebble tool culture, while also showing unique adaptive features that differentiate them from other known stone tool technologies in southern China [3][4]. - The findings suggest that the Nanhuh River area may represent a settlement cluster, providing a basis for further regional archaeological studies and insights into human interactions and cultural exchanges in southern China and Southeast Asia [4].

南或河遗址的发掘成果显示其无论在考古新发现还是科学研究及文化溯源和地方文旅建设方面都具有极为重要的历史意义和深远的社会价值。 南或河遗址位于海南省白沙县金波乡石碌河上游的支流南或河北岸。2023年其被确认为一处以旧石器时代为主体的文化遗存。经国家文物局批准，2024年9 月至12月，由中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所、海南省文物考古研究院、中山大学联合对南或河遗址进行了主动性考古发掘。 5月14日，记者从中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所南或河遗址发掘领队处了解到，海南白沙金波乡南或河遗址是海南首次发现的一处旧石器时代旷野 遗址。 19 r a got A . - t a 4 first t 2 8 8 2 are st - V-2 S in it E 遗址目前已出土编号石制品6000余件，筛洗出土石制品已达20000余件，另有相当数量的果壳和炭屑遗存。经光释光测年，初步得到遗址年代结果为距今1万 年前后。 从发掘情况来看，火塘遗迹的发现以及保存良好的人类石制品打制活动现场，结合果壳的发现，可以推测古人类在此发生了打制石器制作等生产和生活行 为。 从目前尚属有限的考古发掘与调查结果来看，南或河遗址是海南岛已 ...

"西南地区的旧石器越来越多，长江流域日益支撑起史前考古的新天地……祝贺！"2024年度全国十大考 古新发现公布后，一位考古人在朋友圈发出这样的感叹。 资阳濛溪河遗址群是四川第二个获此殊荣的旧石器考古项目。2022年，位于川西高原的稻城皮洛遗址也 曾入选。两个项目的领队，都是四川省文物考古研究院旧石器考古研究所所长郑喆轩。 成为"十大"仅仅是开始。评选结果公布当天，郑喆轩就匆匆赶回濛溪河遗址。皮洛、濛溪河、射洪桃花 河等重要遗址还有大量工作要做，资阳、内江等地的田野考古调查也在同步开展，整理研究也不能停 下，考古队员们忙并快乐着。 搁在几年前，现在这种状态，对于郑喆轩还是"不敢想象的幸福"。 四川处于高原与平原之间，华南与华北之间，温带与亚热带之间，是古人类迁徙和文化交流十分重要 的"十字路口"。然而，在2019年以前，四川比较明确的旧石器遗址仅有10余处，国内外学者们只能被迫 接受四川盆地和川西高原没有或者很晚才有少量古人类存在的"苦涩现实"，四川成为国际旧石器研究 的"盆地""洼地"。 "如果能够扎实开展一些有针对性的工作，可能会有填补空白的重要突破！"11年前，郑喆轩硕士毕业， 带着"开疆拓土"的目标和期 ...