Core Insights - The article discusses the archaeological significance of the Majiabang culture, particularly focusing on recent discoveries in the Yangtze River Delta region, which date back approximately 6000 to 7000 years [1][9][10]. Group 1: Majiabang Culture Overview - The Majiabang culture is categorized into three main cultural systems, with the third system being the Majiabang-Congze-Liangzhu culture, which is highlighted in the article [1]. - The Majiabang culture is primarily distributed in the Taihu Lake region, with nearly a hundred related sites covering an area of approximately 37,000 square kilometers [9]. Group 2: Recent Discoveries - Recent archaeological findings include the successful retrieval of ancient human genomic data from the Majiabang culture, filling gaps in ancient DNA research in the lower Yangtze region [1]. - A significant discovery was made at the Doushan site in Wuxi, where a city site dating back about 6000 years was uncovered, marking it as one of the earliest prehistoric city sites in China [1]. Group 3: Archaeological Excavations - The Majiabang site was first excavated in 1959, revealing a variety of artifacts including pottery, jade, and bone tools, which prompted further archaeological efforts [2][3]. - Subsequent excavations in 2009 led to the discovery of additional artifacts, including human remains and pottery fragments, further enriching the understanding of the Majiabang culture [3]. Group 4: Cultural Characteristics - The Majiabang culture is characterized by its unique burial practices, predominantly rectangular vertical pit graves, with a majority being single-person burials [5][12]. - The culture reflects a matrilineal society structure, with evidence suggesting a gradual transition towards a more complex social hierarchy as agriculture and craftsmanship advanced [12]. Group 5: Economic Activities - The inhabitants of the Majiabang culture primarily engaged in rice agriculture, raising livestock such as dogs, pigs, and water buffalo, with evidence of both rice and millet cultivation [10]. - Fishing and hunting were also significant economic activities, as indicated by the discovery of various fishing tools and animal remains [10]. Group 6: Cultural Influence and Legacy - The Majiabang culture is believed to have influenced and been influenced by the Hemudu culture, with evidence of cultural exchange and interaction between the two [13]. - The cultural legacy of Majiabang is seen as a precursor to the Liangzhu civilization, highlighting its importance in the development of early Chinese civilization [15].

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]

Core Insights - The Dou Shan site in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province reveals a city site from the Majiabang culture period, dating back approximately 6000 years, marking the first discovery of such a site in the lower Yangtze River region [1][3] - The site covers an area of about 250,000 square meters and contains significant archaeological remains from both the Majiabang and Songze cultures, indicating a large and densely populated prehistoric settlement [1][2] Archaeological Findings - The excavation has uncovered inner and outer walls along with three moats, with the overall layout of the city being rounded square [2] - The inner wall, which is well-preserved, stands over 1 meter high, constructed primarily from pure yellow earth and reinforced with large stones [2] - Artifacts found in the moats include typical Majiabang culture pottery, such as pots and tripods, primarily made of sand-tempered red clay [2] Cultural Significance - The Dou Shan site is considered one of the earliest prehistoric city sites in China, providing crucial insights into the origins of Chinese civilization [3] - The site also revealed over 140 high-status tombs from the Songze culture, with grave goods including jade and stone artifacts, indicating a high level of social stratification [2][3]