Experts conducted an inspection of the water gate remains at the Xiaogucheng ruins on Dec 30, 2023
Highlights
By Zhu Jingning
Recent archaeological discoveries at Hangzhou Xiaogucheng ruins have unveiled a series of significant relics dating back to the Shang Dynasty (1600 B.C.-1046 B.C.), providing evidence that Zhejiang's ancestors embarked on a new phase of development through exchanges with the Central Plains during this period. These interactions laid the groundwork for the subsequent development of Yue State (2032 B.C.-222 B.C.).
The Xiaogucheng ruins were discovered in the 1980s. Since 2004, experts have continued to carry out archaeological excavations and achieved rich results.
According to seminar reports, in the Huxi excavation area of the Xiaogucheng ruins, a courtyard architecture group was found in a complex but unified planned pattern. People also have determined that there is a very special construction of the artificial mound on the top of the Miaoshan Mountain, which covers an area of more than 1,800 square meters, with a relative height of 8 meters to 12 meters. A Shang Dynasty water gate remains was found well preserved 2.5-3 meters wide with a clear structure and rich wooden relics.
After field investigation, many experts believe that the complex structure of Huxi and Miaoshan remains has refreshed the academic circle's understanding of the importance of Zhejiang Shang Dynasty archaeology. In particular, the artificial mound of Miaoshan may have the function of ritual sacrifice and astronomical observation. The structure of the water gate remains conforms to the engineering principle and may contribute to water diversion, flood prevention and navigation.
As early as 7,000 years ago in the Majiabang culture period, the Xiaogucheng ruins were inhabited, and subsequently, people from Songze, Liangzhu, Guangfulin culture continued to live on. The most important cultural accumulation was formed there in the period of Maqiao culture and Post-Maqiao culture, when it was the late Xia Dynasty to the Shang Dynasty in the Central Plains. Recent archaeological findings focus on the late Shang Dynasty between 3,300 and 3,000 years ago.