Archaeologists in central China have uncovered ancient city walls from the early Xia Dynasty in Henan Province. They have identified these as remnants dating between 2070 and 1600 B.C.
The Xia Dynasty is considered China’s first dynasty in historical records, as it marks the transition from prehistoric tribal societies to structured, hereditary rule.
Recent archaeological discoveries, including those at the Liuzhuang site, offer growing evidence of its existence, which has been debated for a long time due to the lack of written records from the period. The discovery provides valuable insight into early urban settlements and construction techniques of the time.
The packed earth walls were excavated at the Liuzhuang site in Taikang County, Zhoukou City. The site spans over 80,000 square meters (861,112.83 square feet), indicating its historical significance.
Ancient city structures unveiled
Li Shiwei, a researcher at the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, reported that four walls were discovered aligned in the east, west, south, and north directions. These walls measure between 2.6 (8.5 feet) and 3.4 meters (11.15 feet) in width and feature multiple layers of slope protection on their outer sides.
According to researchers, these walls formed a rectangular city measuring 126 meters in length and 100 meters in width. A gap in the middle of the southern wall is believed to have served as an entrance or gate.
Carbon-14 dating analysis indicates that the walls were constructed, used, and later abandoned between 1964 B.C. and 1833 B.C., aligning with the early Xia Dynasty period. These findings strengthen historical studies on early Chinese civilization and urban development.
Evidence of early settlements
Excavations at the Liuzhuang site also revealed 16 ancient house foundations dating back to the late Longshan Culture. This civilization thrived in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River before the rise of the Xia Dynasty.
Along with houses, archaeologists discovered pottery kilns, wells, and various artifacts. Among the unearthed items were pottery fragments, bone tools, and stone implements, shedding light on the daily lives of the region’s early inhabitants.
“The findings provide new data for exploring the architectural techniques, layout, and evolution of settlement patterns at small urban sites during the late Longshan period,” Li said.
Growing discoveries in Eastern Henan
The Liuzhuang site is one of several Xia Dynasty locations recently uncovered in eastern Henan. These discoveries contribute to ongoing research into early settlements, social structures, and the progression of civilization in the region.
Experts believe that further excavations and studies in Henan will offer a deeper understanding of China’s early dynastic history and the transition from prehistoric cultures to structured urban societies.