【书中问学】 作者：陈胜前、洪鉴璇（分别系中国人民大学历史学院考古文博系教授；中国人民大学历史学院考古文博系 博士生） 叩问早期中国：从文献迷雾到考古实证 公众对于早期中华文明的认识，多集中于夏商周三代。再往前追溯，则常感记载寥寥，甚至因文献不足而对 夏代等历史阶段的存在产生疑问。至于更古远的"三皇五帝"时代，更往往被视为缥缈的传说。20世纪前半 叶，古史辨派曾对古史文献进行深刻反思，提示了早期历史书写的复杂性。若无实证，对古史保持审慎态度 确有其理。然而，现代考古学的兴起，以持续发现的物质遗存，为我们打开了另一扇认知的大门。它不仅揭 示了人类诞生前地球的浩瀚历史，也勾勒出人类从简单工具到复杂社会、从小型游群到庞大国家的演进轨 迹。考古学家通过物质遗存"揭示"而非"书写"历史，一层层揭开历史的封土，让被遗忘的过往重见天日。 《文化上的早期中国》 韩建业 著 大象出版社 认识"早期中国"，正须依赖考古学这把钥匙。韩建业的新著《文化上的早期中国》，即致力于解答"何谓早期 中国"这一根本问题。参观过宝鸡青铜器博物院的人，可能还记得其镇馆之宝——西周早期青铜器何尊上的一 句话：余其宅兹中国，自兹乂民。这是周武王灭商之 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the archaeological findings in the Xiliao River basin, highlighting its significance as one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization, with evidence of human history dating back over a million years and cultural history spanning 10,000 years [1] Group 1: Archaeological Findings - The Xiliao River, as a source of the Liao River, has geographical features that facilitated early civilization development, with rich prehistoric sites and artifacts proving its importance in the formation of Chinese civilization [1] - The Xiliao River basin saw the emergence of dragon imagery and sophisticated jade artifacts around 8,000 years ago, indicating the onset of civilization [1] - The Neolithic cultural sequence in the Xiliao River region includes several cultures such as Xiahexi, Xinglongwa, Zhaobaogou, Fuhe, Hongshan, and Xiaheyan, with the Xinglongwa culture being particularly dominant due to its agricultural practices and jade customs [1] Group 2: Hongshan Culture - The Hongshan culture, particularly the Dongshanzui and Niuheliang sites, has sparked significant research interest since the 1980s, leading to discussions about the origins of Chinese civilization [2] - The "Goddess Temple" at the Niuheliang site features artistic clay sculptures of female figures and is characterized by its ceremonial architecture, indicating a complex societal structure [2] - Burial practices in the Hongshan culture, such as the construction of stone mounds, reflect a hierarchical relationship among the deceased, with central and peripheral graves [2] Group 3: Cultural Artifacts - Jade artifacts are the primary burial items in the Hongshan culture, showcasing strict burial regulations and the significance of jade in funerary practices [3] - The late Hongshan culture (5,300 to 5,000 years ago) marked the emergence of the "Hongshan Ancient State," where interactions with the Yangshao culture led to the development of unique pottery designs combining dragon and floral motifs [3] Group 4: Bronze Age Discoveries - The discoveries from the Bronze Age in the Xiliao River region include the Lower and Upper Xiujiaodian cultures, with the Lower culture dating from 2000 to 1500 BC and showing evidence of city-state formations [4] - The Upper Xiujiaodian culture, dating from the Western Zhou to the Spring and Autumn period, indicates close interactions with the central plains states of Yan and Qi, with artifacts reflecting strong influences from central Chinese ceremonial practices [4] - The latest findings from the Chinese civilization exploration project define the period from 5,800 to 5,200 years ago as the beginning of Chinese civilization, with the Niuheliang site being a representative cultural site of this phase [4]