Core Points - The Palace Museum is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history and cultural heritage [2][21][33] - The museum has evolved from a royal palace to a public institution, making cultural treasures accessible to the general public [13][25] - The museum has developed a comprehensive system for the collection, protection, research, display, and dissemination of cultural relics [2][12][23] Group 1: Historical Significance - The Palace Museum was officially established on October 10, 1925, and has since become a symbol of cultural preservation [5][21] - During the Second Sino-Japanese War, nearly 20,000 boxes of cultural relics were relocated to protect them from destruction [10][12] - The museum has received over 456 million visitors from 1949 to 2019, with a record of over 17.6 million visitors expected in 2024 [12][21] Group 2: Cultural Heritage and Preservation - The museum's collection includes approximately 1.95 million cultural relics, categorized into 25 major categories [9][23] - The Palace Museum has established a "cultural relic hospital" that employs over 100 experts in restoration and preservation [16][23] - The museum utilizes advanced technology, including 3D printing, to restore and preserve artifacts [17][23] Group 3: Educational and Cultural Exchange - The Palace Museum has initiated various exhibitions and cultural exchange programs, enhancing its role as a global cultural hub [24][26] - The "Taihe Scholars" program promotes academic exchange, supporting scholars from 14 countries [28] - The museum has organized numerous international exhibitions, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding [26][29] Group 4: Future Development - The Palace Museum is expanding its facilities, with a new northern area under development to continue its mission of cultural preservation [31][33] - The museum aims to enhance its service levels and further promote the display and utilization of cultural relics [31][33] - The leadership emphasizes the importance of cultural confidence and the responsibility of preserving and interpreting the museum's diverse values [31][33]

四川省文物考古研究院三星堆遗址工作站站长冉宏林介绍，碳14测年显示，3、4、6、8号祭祀坑埋藏年代大概率处于公元前1201年至公元 前1012年，相当于商代晚期，1、2、3、4、7、8号祭祀坑埋藏年代相同。该成果为厘清祭祀坑年代和构建遗址精细年代框架提供了重要依据。 研究显示，三星堆青铜铸造展现出独特的技术创新与本土化表达，形成了以分铸为核心，兼用浑铸、锻造的创新铸造技术体系；独特 的"芯骨-条形芯撑"技术，有效解决了细长、弯曲器物的成型难题。这一成果不仅深化了对中国古代青铜铸造体系的认知，也为揭示中华文明 多元一体及世界青铜器铸造技术的交流机制提供了新证据。 目前多学科团队已修复三星堆金器270余件，重逾1500克，三星堆8个祭祀坑出土的金器总重量约2000克，均为金银合金。三星堆出土玉璋 与二里头文化玉器有着密切的传承关系。三星堆先民确立了稻作农业为主体的农业形态，由此支撑了高密度人口，为三星堆古国的迅速崛起提 供了充足的保障与动力。同时，通过现场保护技术、脱水加固技术的研发和应用，3、4、7、8号祭祀坑出土的600余根饱水象牙能够在常规环 境下保存、展示。 9月27日，四川省文物考古研究院在四川德阳召开 ...

Core Insights - The latest research from the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology reveals that the Sanxingdui site contains a significant number of painted bronze artifacts, pushing back the timeline for the emergence of painted bronze in China by nearly a thousand years [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - The Sanxingdui bronze artifacts, created around three thousand years ago, were made from a copper, tin, and lead alloy, showcasing high creativity and imagination in their design [2] - The research indicates that the colors found on these artifacts include black and red, with black often used for facial features and symbols, while red appears on floral designs and intricate patterns on vessels and clothing [2][4] - The discovery of these painted bronze artifacts challenges the previous belief that painted bronze was primarily seen during the Warring States and Qin-Han periods, highlighting the advanced craftsmanship and natural materials used in Sanxingdui [2][4] Group 2: Cultural Significance - The colorful designs of Sanxingdui artifacts reflect the high level of artistic skill of ancient craftsmen, filling a gap in the understanding of painting art during the bronze age in China [4] - The combination of black and red colors in ancient China symbolized nobility and was seen as an auspicious sign for national peace and stability, further emphasizing the cultural richness of the Sanxingdui site [4]

Core Insights - The latest multidisciplinary research results from the Sanxingdui site have been released by the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, focusing on the dating of sacrificial pits, unique bronze casting techniques, and new findings in gold and copper artifacts [1][3]. Group 1: Dating of Sacrificial Pits - The dating of the sacrificial pits has been confirmed to the late Shang Dynasty, with a 95.4% probability that pits No. 3, 4, 6, and 8 date between 1201 BC and 1012 BC [5][9]. - The precise dating is significant for understanding the evolution of ancient Shu civilization and its integration into the broader Chinese cultural context [9][3]. - The research utilized carbon-14 dating, with a focus on bamboo charcoal for more accurate results, pinpointing the date to around 1100 BC, approximately 3100 years ago [7][5]. Group 2: Bronze Casting Techniques - The "core-bone and strip core support" technique has been identified as a significant innovation in large bronze casting, marking its first systematic confirmation in domestic archaeological contexts [13][11]. - This technique is compared to the traditional model method used in ancient Chinese bronze casting, showcasing unique local adaptations that contributed to a distinctive bronze culture [15][11]. - The research indicates that the bronze artifacts from Sanxingdui were created using a combination of casting methods, including split casting, which reflects a sophisticated technological system [13][15]. Group 3: Gold and Copper Artifacts - The research confirms that the painted bronze artifacts from Sanxingdui are among the earliest known lacquered copper wares in China, establishing a cultural link between the Sanxingdui and Jinsha sites [19][17]. - Analysis of the gold artifacts indicates that over 2 kilograms of gold were used, employing advanced refining techniques [19][17]. - The findings suggest that the ancient Shu people had developed intensive wetland rice agriculture and standardized pottery production by the late Shang Dynasty, indicating a prosperous society [19][17]. Group 4: Historical Context and Cultural Evolution - The Sanxingdui site represents a long-lasting and extensive archaeological site, encompassing multiple cultural phases, including Baodun, Sanxingdui, and Shierqiao cultures, with significant developmental relationships among them [22][23]. - The Baodun culture period saw the construction of city walls due to resource competition, leading to a landscape of competing settlements [22][23]. - The transition of Sanxingdui from a central state capital to a regular city involved conflicts over capital status, resulting in significant changes to the urban structure and religious practices [23][22].

Core Insights - The latest research from the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology reveals significant findings regarding the Sanxingdui site, including the dating of sacrificial pits and advancements in bronze and gold artifact production techniques [1][3][18]. Group 1: Dating of Sacrificial Pits - The dating of the sacrificial pits has been confirmed to the late Shang Dynasty, with a 95.4% probability that the burial dates range from 1201 BC to 1012 BC [5][10]. - The use of carbon-14 dating, particularly from selected bamboo charcoal, has provided a more precise dating, pinpointing it to around 1100 BC, approximately 3100 years ago [7][10]. - The discovery of cross-pit matching artifacts is crucial for understanding the chronological relationship and nature of the sacrificial pits, confirming they were buried during the same period [9]. Group 2: Bronze Casting Techniques - The "core-bone strip support" technique has been identified as a significant innovation in bronze casting, marking a unique aspect of Sanxingdui's craftsmanship [11][13]. - This technique allows for the creation of complex and large bronze artifacts, showcasing a distinct approach compared to the traditional mold casting methods used in other regions during the same period [15]. - The research indicates that the bronze artifacts from Sanxingdui represent a sophisticated casting technology that integrates multiple methods, including core casting and forging [13]. Group 3: Gold and Painted Bronze Artifacts - The research confirms that the painted bronze artifacts from Sanxingdui are among the earliest known lacquered copper wares in China, utilizing cinnabar and lacquer, establishing a cultural link between Sanxingdui and the Jinsha site [20]. - Analysis of the gold artifacts indicates that over 2 kilograms of gold were used, employing advanced techniques such as the "cupellation" method for purifying gold [20]. - The findings suggest that as early as the late Shang Dynasty, the ancient Shu people had developed intensive wetland rice agriculture and standardized pottery production, reflecting a prosperous society [20]. Group 4: Historical Context and Cultural Significance - The Sanxingdui site represents a long-lasting and extensive archaeological site, encompassing multiple cultural phases, including Baodun, Sanxingdui, and Shierqiao cultures, with significant developmental relationships among them [23]. - The site experienced internal conflicts that led to the decline of its status as a central city, with evidence of warfare impacting its religious and social structures [24]. - The research highlights the interconnectedness of ancient Shu civilization with the Central Plains, emphasizing its role as a vital component of the diverse and unified Chinese civilization [17].

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 Sanxingdui Forum, themed "Civilization Mutual Learning from an Archaeological Perspective," highlighted significant multidisciplinary research findings from the Sanxingdui site, confirming the sacrificial pits' dating to the late Shang Dynasty and introducing unique bronze casting techniques that contribute to understanding the diversity and unity of Chinese civilization [1][4][6]. Group 1: Dating of Sacrificial Pits - The sacrificial pits No. 3, 4, 6, and 8 have a 95.4% probability of dating between 1201 BC and 1012 BC, corresponding to the late Shang Dynasty [4]. - The discovery of matching fragments from pits No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 indicates they were buried around the same time, providing crucial evidence for establishing a detailed chronological framework for the site [4]. Group 2: Bronze Casting Innovations - Research indicates that the bronze casting technology at Sanxingdui during the late Shang Dynasty was characterized by a core technique of "core-bone—strip core support," effectively addressing the challenges of forming slender and curved objects [6][7]. - This innovation reflects unique technical advancements and local expressions within the existing technological framework, enhancing the understanding of ancient Chinese bronze casting systems and the mechanisms of cultural exchange in bronze technology [7]. Group 3: Multidisciplinary Research Findings - Significant findings include the estimated use of over 2 kilograms of gold at the Sanxingdui site, with gold artifacts made from gold-silver alloys, likely sourced from stable placer gold mines and refined using the cupellation method [10]. - The painted bronze artifacts utilized cinnabar and lacquer, representing the earliest known copper-lacquered items in China, revealing a close connection between the Sanxingdui and Jinsha sites through lacquer technology [10]. - The standardization trends in pottery, particularly in the Shang Dynasty, indicate a shift towards more uniform shapes and sizes, supporting the rise of a high-density population reliant on intensive wetland rice agriculture [11]. - Research on ivory artifacts led to the development of preservation techniques, ensuring that excavated ivory can be maintained and displayed in regular environments [11]. Group 4: Future Research Directions - The Sanxingdui site will continue to advance archaeological excavations, artifact preservation, and multidisciplinary research to explore unknown aspects and reveal origins, aiming to showcase the brilliance of ancient Shu civilization and the diverse unity of Chinese civilization [13].

Core Insights - The 2025 Sanxingdui Forum, themed "Civilizational Mutual Learning from an Archaeological Perspective," opened in Deyang, Sichuan, showcasing significant archaeological findings from the Sanxingdui site [1] Group 1: Dating of Ritual Pits - The Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and Peking University conducted radiocarbon dating, revealing that the burial dates of ritual pits No. 3, 4, 6, and 8 have a 95.4% probability of being between 1201 BC and 1012 BC, corresponding to the late Shang Dynasty [6] - The discovery of matching fragments of the same artifacts in pits No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 indicates that these pits were buried around the same time, providing crucial evidence for clarifying the dating of the ritual pits and constructing a detailed chronological framework for the site [6] Group 2: Innovations in Bronze Casting Technology - Joint research by the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, the Palace Museum, Beijing University of Science and Technology, and the Cambridge Joseph Needham Research Institute has led to new insights into bronze casting techniques, revealing that the Sanxingdui bronze artifacts utilized an innovative casting technology system centered on "parting casting," alongside "whole casting" and forging [7] - The unique "core-bone—strip core support" technique effectively addressed the challenges of forming slender and curved artifacts, showcasing distinctive technological innovation and local expression within the existing technological framework [7] Group 3: Multidisciplinary Research Findings - Additional significant findings from the Sanxingdui site include advancements in gold artifact production technology, copper artifact painting techniques, standardized pottery production, rice cultivation methods, and ivory preservation techniques [9] - The estimated gold usage at the Sanxingdui site exceeds 2 kilograms, making it unparalleled in China during the same period, with gold artifacts being made from gold-silver alloys likely sourced from stable placer gold mines [9] - The painted bronze artifacts from Sanxingdui utilized cinnabar and lacquer, representing the earliest copper-lacquered artifacts in China, revealing a close connection between the Sanxingdui and Jinsha sites through lacquer technology [9] - The pottery from the late Shang Dynasty shows significant changes in the quantity and particle size of the raw materials, with a trend towards higher standardization in the proportions and rim shapes of the vessels [9] - Early ancient Shu inhabitants established an intensive wetland rice agriculture system, which supported a high-density population and contributed to the rapid rise of the Sanxingdui site [9] - Research on the preservation status, diseases, and degradation mechanisms of excavated ivory has led to the development of on-site preservation and dehydration reinforcement techniques, allowing for the preservation and display of excavated ivory in conventional environments [9] Group 4: Future Directions - The Sanxingdui site will continue to advance archaeological excavations, cultural relic protection, and multidisciplinary research, aiming to explore the unknown, reveal origins, and effectively interpret and present the archaeological achievements of the Sanxingdui site, showcasing the brilliant ancient Shu civilization and the diverse unity of Chinese civilization [11]

Core Perspective - The dialogue between ancient Chinese and Greek civilizations highlights the shared cultural heritage and mutual influences that have shaped human civilization over millennia [1][2][3] Group 1: Historical Context - The dialogue emphasizes the evolution of human civilization, showcasing the distinct yet interconnected development of cultures in different regions [2] - Chinese civilization, with a history of over 5,000 years, experienced significant transformations around 6,000 years ago, leading to the emergence of various ancient states [2][3] - Concurrently, the prehistoric culture of the Cycladic Islands in Greece also underwent notable social development during the same period [2] Group 2: Cultural Exchange - The exchange between China and the Eurasian steppe around 4,000 years ago significantly influenced the development of early Chinese dynasties [3] - Agricultural products from China, such as millet and sorghum, spread westward to Central Asia and Europe, indicating a two-way cultural exchange [3] - The similarities in bronze artifacts from the Erlitou site in China and the Palace of Knossos in Crete suggest parallel developments in both civilizations [3][4] Group 3: Art and Craftsmanship - The distinct styles of bronze artifacts from the Sanxingdui site in China and the Delphi site in Greece reflect different cultural influences and artistic expressions [4] - The discovery of the gold mask from Sanxingdui, which shares similarities with gold masks from ancient Egypt and Greece, indicates a cross-continental exchange of gold craftsmanship [5][6] - The purposes of gold masks in both cultures differ, with Sanxingdui masks primarily used for ritualistic communication with deities, while Mycenaean masks were associated with funerary practices [6] Group 4: Future Collaboration - The ongoing research and archaeological efforts by the Chinese Academy of Classical Civilization in Greece aim to foster further cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two civilizations [6]