Shaanxi site could be prototype for Chinese palaces

Archaeologists said the Lushanmao historic relics site in the Baota district of Yan'an city, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, could be the country's prototype for early palaces.

Aerial view of the Lushanmao site in the Baota district of Yan'an city, Northwest China's Shaanxi province [Credit: China Daily]

Experts from the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology recently found a foundation of rammed earth, on which there could have been a neatly arranged courts, walls and architectural complex.

Jadeware was found in the foundations of some buildings.

Archaeologists work at the the Lushanmao site in the Baota district of Yan'an city, Northwest China's Shaanxi province [Credit: China Daily]

Pottery unearthed at the Lushanmao site [Credit: China Daily]

Jade ware unearthed at the Lushanmao site [Credit: China Daily]

Stone spearhead? unearthed at the Lushanmao site [Credit: China Daily]

The site, covering an area of two million square meters, is one of the largest prehistoric settlement sites in China.

A large number of artefacts including pottery, stoneware, boneware and jadeware have been unearthed at the site previously.

Aerial view of the Lushanmao site in the Baota district of Yan'an city, Northwest China's Shaanxi province [Credit: China Daily]

Based on features of the unearthed artifacts, the site's history can be traced back around 4,500 years, according to experts.

Source: China Daily [November 29, 2018]