Core Insights - The article discusses the significant archaeological achievements presented by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, focusing on the integration of technology in decoding Chinese civilization and cultural heritage [1] Group 1: Archaeological Achievements - The 2018 Xuewei No. 1 Tomb, dating back 1300 years, has been successfully excavated and restored, revealing precious artifacts such as armor and lacquerware despite challenges from looting and natural erosion [2][3] - The restoration team utilized advanced techniques like 3D scanning and electron microscopy to analyze and reconstruct the armor pieces, leading to the revival of the only known Tang Dynasty gold armor [2][3] - The restoration of a large bronze pot, which was fragmented into nearly a thousand pieces, involved a systematic diagnostic approach using X-ray imaging to uncover hidden cracks, ultimately restoring it to its original form [3] Group 2: Establishment of Resource Libraries - The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences is establishing a "Chinese Civilization Technology Archaeology Resource Standard Library," which includes an animal specimen library set to be operational by July 2025 [4][5] - The ancient animal specimen library will house over 100,000 specimens from various archaeological sites across China, showcasing significant historical and cultural value [5] - The collection includes the earliest remains of domesticated animals in China, providing insights into the evolution of animal husbandry and its impact on social and economic structures [5] Group 3: Research on Prehistoric Water Management - Research on prehistoric water management has pushed back the timeline of China's large-scale water engineering history by 3000 years, indicating that early civilizations engaged in water conservation and irrigation much earlier than previously thought [6][7] - The study employs modern technologies such as satellite remote sensing and 3D reconstruction to analyze the relationship between prehistoric settlements and their environmental adaptations [6][7] - This research highlights the evolution of human interaction with nature, emphasizing the significance of water management in the development of early Chinese civilization [7]

Core Insights - The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has released six major archaeological findings that provide insights into ancient animal domestication, textile technology, and early agricultural practices in China [10][12][19]. Group 1: Animal Resource Specimens - The Chinese Animal Resource Specimen Bank houses over 100,000 specimens, including the earliest known dog remains from the Hebei Nanzhuangtou site, dating back 10,000 years [10][11]. - The collection includes significant ancient animal remains from 121 archaeological sites across 26 provinces, recognized for its comprehensive and representative nature [10][12]. - Notable specimens include the earliest known domesticated pig remains from the Jiahu site, dating back 9,000 years, and the earliest domesticated sheep remains from the Lajia site, dating back 5,000 years [11][12]. Group 2: Innovations in Archaeological Excavation and Artifact Preservation - The excavation of the 1300-year-old Blood Wei No. 1 Tomb in Qinghai utilized a new integrated approach of meticulous excavation, synchronous protection, and restoration research, successfully preserving and restoring valuable artifacts [13][14]. - The team employed advanced techniques such as 3D scanning and microscopic analysis to restore fragmented artifacts, including a complete Tang Dynasty lacquered horse armor [13][14]. - The project exemplifies a new paradigm in cultural heritage preservation, showcasing the successful collaboration of multiple disciplines [14]. Group 3: Textile Technology and Historical Insights - Research on a dyed textile fragment from the Blood Wei No. 1 Tomb established China as a major origin of the ancient weaving technique known as "扎经染色" (Zha Jing Dyeing) [15][16]. - The fragment was dated to no later than 750 AD, filling a gap in the historical evidence of this textile technology [15][16]. - The study identified the primary raw materials for the textile as originating from the southwestern regions of China, confirming its historical significance in trade networks [16]. Group 4: Agricultural Origins and Development - Research identified three key time nodes in the origin and early development of dryland agriculture in northern China, with evidence of settled communities dating back around 10,000 years [17][18]. - The findings support the hypothesis that the Hebei mountainous region may be a center for the origin of dryland agriculture, with significant agricultural practices emerging around 7,800 to 7,500 years ago [17][18]. - The study highlights the increasing reliance on millet and sorghum in the diet of early agricultural societies, reflecting the evolution of agricultural practices over time [18]. Group 5: Discovery of the Earliest Known Yangmei Tree - The earliest known Yangmei tree in China was identified at the Zhejiang Shiaowu site, dating back to around 2520 BC during the Liangzhu culture period [19][20]. - The research confirmed that Yangmei was part of the diet of early inhabitants, indicating its long-standing significance in Chinese agriculture [19][20]. - The findings contribute to understanding the diverse economic practices of early societies in the Yangtze River Delta region [21]. Group 6: Ancient Water Management Systems - Research on prehistoric water management in China revealed that early inhabitants constructed complex water systems for irrigation and flood control around 5,000 years ago [22][23]. - The study utilized advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and 3D reconstruction to analyze ancient water management practices [22][23]. - The findings provide insights into how early societies adapted to climate variability and managed water resources effectively [23].

Group 1 - The integration of technology into archaeology enhances the understanding of history and civilization, as demonstrated by recent significant achievements in the field [1] - The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has made substantial progress in building a technology archaeology resource standard library, including over 100,000 specimens from ancient and modern animals [2] - The successful restoration of precious artifacts, such as Tang Dynasty lacquered horse armor and bronze vessels, showcases innovative methods combining excavation, emergency protection, and restoration research [3] Group 2 - Research on dyed textiles from the Tang Dynasty has established the earliest known date for this technique, pushing the timeline back to around 750 AD [4][5] - Multidisciplinary studies have identified key time nodes in the origin and early development of dryland agriculture in northern China, with evidence dating back approximately 10,000 years [6] - The discovery of ancient myrtle trees at the Shia'an site indicates that myrtle was part of the diet during the Liangzhu culture period, marking a significant finding in the study of ancient flora [7] Group 3 - Research on prehistoric water management in China has pushed back the history of large-scale water engineering by nearly 3,000 years, indicating early complex water management systems [8]

Core Insights - The earliest known dog remains in China, dating back 10,000 years, were discovered at the NanZhuangTou site in Hebei, providing crucial evidence for the history of domesticated animals in the region [8] - The Chinese Animal Resource Specimen Bank, which houses over 100,000 specimens, is recognized as a leading institution in the field, with a comprehensive collection that spans ancient and modern animal remains from 121 archaeological sites across 26 provinces [8] - The research conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) highlights the significance of animal remains in understanding the evolution of agriculture, economy, and social culture in ancient China [11] Group 1 - The Chinese Animal Resource Specimen Bank includes both ancient and modern animal specimens, with the ancient collection being the largest in the country [8] - The bank's comprehensive collection has been acknowledged for its academic value and is considered to be of global significance [8] - The research emphasizes the role of animal remains in constructing a framework for studying the relationship between animal evolution, economic models, and social culture [11] Group 2 - The study of the earliest domesticated animals, such as pigs and sheep, provides insights into the origins of agricultural practices in ancient China [11] - The findings from the research contribute to a better understanding of the agricultural development timeline in northern China, particularly regarding dryland farming practices [16][17] - The research also identifies key time nodes in the development of agriculture, showcasing the interrelation between settled life and early agricultural practices [16][17] Group 3 - The discovery of the earliest known Yangmei tree in China at the Shiyan site confirms its consumption by ancient peoples during the Liangzhu culture period [18][19] - The research utilized advanced scientific methods, including tree-ring dating and carbon-14 dating, to establish the historical significance of the Yangmei tree [18] - The findings indicate that the Yangmei tree played a role in the diverse economic activities of the Liangzhu culture, contributing to the understanding of ancient dietary practices [19] Group 4 - The research on prehistoric water management systems reveals that ancient Chinese societies developed complex irrigation and flood control systems around 5,000 years ago [20][21] - The study integrates modern technologies such as satellite remote sensing and 3D reconstruction to analyze ancient water management practices [20] - The findings provide a framework for understanding how ancient communities adapted to climate variability and managed water resources effectively [21]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of integrating modern technology into archaeological research and cultural heritage protection, highlighting the role of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in leading this initiative under the guidance of Xi Jinping's thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era [1][2]. Group 1: Importance of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage - Archaeological and cultural heritage work is not only a significant cultural endeavor but also carries profound social and political implications, enhancing the nation's cultural soft power [2]. - The systematic application of modern technology in archaeology marks a crucial step towards modernization, breaking down traditional disciplinary barriers and forming new research paradigms [2]. Group 2: Laboratory Development and Research Focus - The key laboratory must adhere to the standards of top laboratories, promoting scientific, standardized, and systematic development to become a leading archaeological laboratory globally [2]. - Research will focus on major topics such as the origins of Chinese civilization and the narrative framework of technological archaeology, aiming to produce significant academic contributions that serve national needs [2]. Group 3: Major Achievements Announced - Six major achievements were announced, covering topics such as the origins of Chinese civilization, the protection of Silk Road cultural heritage, and interdisciplinary research [3]. - The establishment of a global leading technological archaeology resource standard library, which includes over 100,000 ancient and modern animal specimens from 121 archaeological sites across 26 provinces, is a key highlight [4]. Group 4: Innovative Research Projects - A new paradigm for field archaeology and cultural relic protection was proposed, exemplified by the innovative approach taken in the 2018 Xuewei No.1 Tomb project, which integrates meticulous excavation, emergency protection, and restoration research [4]. - Research on the restoration of Tang Dynasty dyed textiles utilized a dual evidence method combining literature and artifacts, establishing China's historical position as a major origin of this ancient textile technique [5]. Group 5: Key Findings in Agricultural and Environmental Archaeology - New discoveries in the history of agriculture in northern China identified three key stages of early dry farming, supported by carbon dating and stable isotope analysis [5]. - The study of ancient trees from the Shiyao site, dated to around 2520 BC, represents the earliest and most definitive identification of the Yangmei species in China [5]. Group 6: Technological Integration in Archaeology - The integration of advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and 3D reconstruction has revealed insights into prehistoric water management practices, showcasing how ancient civilizations adapted to climate and hydrological conditions [6].

Group 1 - The China Academy of Social Sciences held a major achievement release conference, presenting six significant findings in archaeological and cultural heritage research [1][2] - A new integrated work paradigm for archaeological excavation and artifact protection was proposed, focusing on detailed excavation, emergency protection, and restoration research, leading to the scientific restoration of several precious artifacts [1] - Research established China's historical position as a major origin of the classical textile technique of warp-dyed fabric, based on findings from the Tang Dynasty [1] Group 2 - The identification of the earliest known ancient bayberry tree in China, dating back to the Liangzhu culture period around 2520 BC, was confirmed through scientific methods [2] - Innovative technologies such as satellite remote sensing and drone photography were utilized to study prehistoric water management systems, revealing how ancient civilizations managed water resources in response to climate change [2]

Group 1 - The core focus of the news is the release of six significant achievements in archaeological science and cultural heritage protection by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, highlighting advancements in technology and methodologies in archaeology [1] - The establishment of a leading global standard database for archaeological resources, specifically the Chinese Animal Resource Specimen Database, which includes over 100,000 specimens from 121 archaeological sites across 26 provinces, providing critical evidence for the study of Chinese civilization [1] - The introduction of an innovative integrated work paradigm for field archaeology and cultural relic protection, exemplified by the 2018 Xuewei No. 1 Tomb laboratory protection project, which successfully restored several precious artifacts [1] Group 2 - New discoveries in the agricultural cultural history of northern China, focusing on the origins of dry farming agriculture through multidisciplinary research, identifying three key time nodes in early civilization development [2] - The identification of the earliest known ancient bayberry tree from the Liangzhu culture period, dated to around 2520 BC, marking a significant finding in botanical archaeology [2] - The integration of advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and drone photography in the study of prehistoric water management systems, revealing insights into ancient flood control and irrigation practices [2]

Core Insights - The China Academy of Social Sciences held its first major achievement release conference for 2026, presenting six significant results in fields such as field archaeology, specimen library construction, and cultural relic protection and restoration [1] Group 1: Archaeological Discoveries - The discovery of the earliest ancient bayberry tree in China, dating back to around 2520 BC during the Liangzhu culture, provides academic support for understanding the food structure and economic activities of early ancestors [2] - The archaeological findings at the Ma Wang Dui Han Tomb and the Nanyue King Tomb previously indicated that bayberry had become a fruit in people's lives during the Han Dynasty [2] Group 2: Cultural Relic Restoration - The restoration of precious Tang Dynasty artifacts from the 2018 He Shui Tomb group has been completed, showcasing a new integrated approach to archaeological excavation and relic protection [3] - The innovative methodology combines detailed excavation, emergency protection, and restoration research, effectively preserving and revitalizing significant Tang Dynasty artifacts [3] Group 3: Technological Advancements in Archaeology - The completion and utilization of the Chinese Animal Resource Specimen Library in 2025 will enhance the study of ancient and modern animal specimens, providing critical technological archaeological evidence for the research of Chinese civilization [4] - The library includes over 100,000 specimens from 121 archaeological sites across 26 provinces, featuring the earliest domesticated dog and pig in China [4] - Recent research achievements, such as the restoration of Tang Dynasty dyed textiles and studies on prehistoric water management and northern agricultural culture, contribute to new interpretations of major topics related to the origins and development of Chinese civilization [4]

Core Viewpoint - The research reveals the unique preservation techniques used in ancient China, particularly in the making of "Eastern mummies," which involved the use of mercury, cinnabar, and spices from the Maritime Silk Road to prevent decay and impart fragrance to the bodies [1][4][6]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study published on January 13 in the Journal of Genetics and Genomics details the discovery of a Southern Song dynasty corpse, approximately 800 years old, found in Changzhou, which exhibited remarkable preservation and a strong fragrance [1][4]. - The corpse, identified as a 52-year-old male named "Ji Lizhi," showed signs of atherosclerosis, indicating health issues during his lifetime [1][4]. - The research team utilized various methods, including CT scans, dissections, ancient DNA studies, stable isotope analysis, and preservation material testing, to understand the preservation techniques [6][7]. Group 2: Preservation Techniques - The study found that mercury and cinnabar were injected directly into the intestines of the corpse, differing from Western practices where organs were often removed before treatment [6][7]. - The use of spices such as ambergris, camphor, and myrrh was identified in the preserved body, highlighting the luxurious burial practices of affluent individuals during the Southern Song period [7]. - This research sheds light on the historical significance of spice trade along the Maritime Silk Road and its impact on social practices in Southern Song society [7].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is the significant archaeological findings presented by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, highlighting advancements in technology archaeology and cultural heritage protection [1][2][3] Group 2 - The establishment of the China Animal Resource Specimen Library is noted as a benchmark in the field of technology archaeology, housing over 100,000 ancient animal bone specimens from 121 sites across 26 provinces, facilitating a comprehensive research network on animal evolution, economic models, and social culture [1] - The innovative paradigm of field archaeology and cultural relic protection is exemplified by the 2018 Xuewei No. 1 Tomb project, showcasing a replicable model that integrates meticulous excavation, synchronous protection, and restoration research [1] - The discovery of the earliest dyed woven fabric from the Tang Dynasty, dated no later than 750 AD, reinforces China's historical significance as a major origin of the classical textile technique of warp-dyed weaving [2] - The research on the agricultural culture history in northern China identifies three key stages in the development of dry farming, providing data support for the exploration of the origins of agriculture and civilization [2] - The archaeological finding of the earliest known ancient bayberry tree in China at the Shian site confirms its inclusion in the diet of early ancestors during the Liangzhu culture period, dating back thousands of years [2] - The study of water conservancy projects from 5000 years ago reveals that prehistoric settlements in China were developed around water resources, indicating a widespread pattern of water management in the Yangtze River basin [3]