气势恢宏的史前巨石之城，默默在陕西黄土高原北部沉睡了四千多年。石峁，这处探索中华文明起源与发展的重要遗址，在考古工作者的手铲毛 刷之间，缓缓揭开了神秘的面纱。 横亘在陕西榆林神木市石峁山塬上的古城遗址，历史上一直是个谜。明万历《延绥镇志》是最早记载石峁遗址的地方志，编纂者将这个庞大的古 城遗址误判为唐代城址。1927年，天津《大公报》以"陕北发现汉匈奴古物"进行了相关报道。上世纪50年代，石峁首次进入我国考古工作者的视 野，陆续发现断续分布的石砌城墙、大量玉器及房址、墓葬、灰坑等遗迹。 2011年，石峁遗址开始了大规模的科学系统发掘。10多年持续的考古工作让石峁遗址的基本面貌逐渐清晰： 规模最大的史前城址显示中国早期文明的奇迹。石峁遗址已发现由皇城台、内城和外城三个层次构成的石城及城门、墩台、马面、角台等附属建 筑，其中外城东门与皇城台开创了中国都城正门结构的先河。 从远处遥望，皇城台如同一座宏伟的"金字塔"，四周石墙依山势垒砌，层层相叠。作为石峁都城的权力中枢，考古发现其顶部建有宫殿群、水体 设施和贵族墓葬区。碳十四系列测年及考古学证据表明，石峁城址初建时代不晚于公元前2300年，大致废弃于公元前1800年 ...

Core Insights - The Shimao site in Shaanxi plays a significant role in the exploration of Chinese civilization, showcasing a variety of artifacts such as stone sculptures, jade artifacts, and bone needles, which highlight the richness of prehistoric culture [1][3][5] Archaeological Significance - The Shimao site, established around 2300 BC and abandoned by 1800 BC, is recognized as the largest known prehistoric city in China, featuring a 10-kilometer stone wall and divided into three parts: the royal city, inner city, and outer city [7] - The unique practice of embedding jade artifacts within the city walls is believed to be a form of protective ritual, reflecting the inhabitants' desire for stability and security [7][8] Cultural Artifacts - The site is renowned for its jade artifacts, including a recently discovered eagle-patterned jade axe, which provides valuable insights into the cultural beliefs of the Shimao people [8][10] - Various stone carvings, including human and animal figures, demonstrate the Shimao people's understanding of nature and their artistic skills, with some carvings resembling characters from oracle bone inscriptions [10][12] Ongoing Research and Mysteries - Despite the wealth of cultural relics, many questions remain regarding the origins, customs, and the reasons for the abandonment of the Shimao site, indicating that further archaeological research may yield new insights [14][15]