In northwestern China, archaeologists have uncovered fascinating ruins of an ancient city that served as a regional center during the Western Zhou period, from 1045 BC. to 771 BC during the Zhou Dynasty. These historical finds are of considerable value and provide a unique perspective on this period of Chinese history.
The city of Yaoheyuan, lost in time, was located at the foot of the Liupan Mountains and was surrounded by a wall. Within its borders were a palace, a moat, cemeteries, sacrificial pits, pottery workshops and a bronze foundry. Researchers also believe that Yaoheyuan was a regional center, given the variety of archaeological sites at the excavation site.
Sacrifices, including both animals and humans, are particularly interesting finds, indicating religious and ritual practices of this time. The city possessed wealth, and the offerings included skeletons of horses laid out in rows, as well as the remains of human bones, horses, hair, goats, sheep, chickens, dogs, and rabbits. Some animal skeletons were broken into segments, presumably before burial. A total of 120 horse skeletons were found, including young foals.
Traces of bronze casting and other production activities were also found at the excavation site. Around the city can be found houses, ash pits, kilns, roads and a variety of artefacts, including ceramic forms, jade ornaments, lacquerware and glazed vessels. Special attention is paid to the bones, which are engraved with more than 150 different ideograms, which is an important historical artifact.
These archaeological discoveries represent a unique opportunity to better understand the history of this region of China and its connections with other parts of the country. Despite the many discoveries, more research is needed to more fully reveal the mysteries of Yaoheyuan and its important role in Chinese culture and history.
