Bücher der Reihe Liangzhu Civilization

This book outlines the latest research in Fanshan by the archaeologist, a man-made hathpace cemetery, on which is located the inner city of Liangzhu historical site at northwest area.

This book clarifies the advent of Liangzhu Culture and analyses the morphology, structure and internal social organization of grass-root settlements, medium-size settlements and the ancient city of Liangzhu, as well as the religious beliefs, ideology and power mechanisms represented by jade.

As for the national aspect, the book mainly explores the development process of east Asian civilization as represented by Chinese civilization and probes into the evolution of the Liangzhu, Dawenkou and Qujialing civilizations four to five thousand years ago in a search for the origins of Chinese civilization.

This book reflects the endeavours and achievements of experts at Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology over the past 30 years, rooted in the archaeological exploration and excavation of Liangzhu. Presenting archaeological findings from the perspective of frontline specialists, the book guides readers through the ruins of the ancient city of Liangzhu, offering an introduction to the planning and construction of the Liangzhu Kingdom¿s capital, an early large-scale water conservation project in Liangzhu, the hierarchy of the ancient city, grain remains found there, and the construction of the outer wall for ¿Chinäs First City.¿ By doing so, the book unlocks the mysteries of the Liangzhu city site, making it accessible to the public!

This book traces archaeological exploration and discoveries as early as 2012 and reveals Liangzhu culture by reviewing seven years of archaeological findings at the Liangzhu historical site, developments in archaeology history, the psychological journeys of archaeologists, as well as the collision of schools of thought. It also contains in-depth interviews with archaeological experts and other specialists, building a bridge between popular interest and academic interest, and showcases Liangzhu civilization and archaeology for professionals and the general public alike.

This book summary introduces the key research findings, exploration and excavation works carried out during the 80 years of archaeological endeavours entirely devoted to Liangzhu historical sites. Xingeng SHI first discovered of neolithic remains in 1936, followed along with designation of official name which was given by Nai XIA in 1959. Another perspective also indicates finding of several pieces of black pottery at the Qipanfen historical site in the year 1936 till the latest over 1200 pieces of jades unearthed in Fanshan cemetery in the year 1986. A brief timeline history as listed above has been demonstrated that the great efforts and sacrifices had made by earlier generations of archaeologist in Liangzhu as witness to explore the origin of the 5000 years of Chinese civilization. The public is more familiar with Fanshan cemetery and Liangzhu ancient city as well as precious cultural relics such as jade Cong and jade Yue. Through the 80 years of archaeological ruins of Liangzhu field works that performed, in fact, there are existing historical monuments for example as places of Zhucundou and Wujiabu and ordinary objects include pottery and stoneware, they remain unknown to the general public. This book offers the readers a unique perspective, is the first research to focus on the Liangzhu Archaeological Team members' viewpoint of exploring the perceived value of an extraordinary experience and compare it with an ordinary experience behind the 80 years of archaeology of the Liangzhu site.

This book mainly focuses on the roles of engraved symbols and ornamentation in Liangzhu culture. It categorizes the engraved symbols discovered in Liangzhu culture as means of ideographical expression and decoration, aspects that are explored in detail. Further, the engraved symbols and ornamentation are subdivided in terms of certain similarities, including the dragon and bird systems. A separate chapter is especially designed to help readers appreciate the typical paintings and symbols in selected objects and vessels. In this way, the book seeks to analyze and generate a particular formula so as to explore patterns in the thinking of Liangzhu's people, thus deciphering the spiritual code of the Liangzhu world.

This book clarifies the advent of Liangzhu Culture and analyses the morphology, structure and internal social organization of grass-root settlements, medium-size settlements and the ancient city of Liangzhu, as well as the religious beliefs, ideology and power mechanisms represented by jade. Further, the book explains how the low-lying location and humid environment in the water-net plain area prompted the creation of man-made platforms or pillars, forming small and densely settled residential areas, and ultimately the water villages of southern China. Developments between man and nature accelerated the process of civilization, leading to the polarization of social classes and pyramid-shaped residential structures containing cities, towns and villages. Offering unique insights into the social vitality and structure of Liangzhu society, the book is one of the most important academic works on interpreting the origins of Liangzhu Civilization and investigating Chinese Civilization.

This book provides the reader with the latest archaeological discoveries of Liangzhu culture for its sophisticated jade artifacts. The structure and contents systematically present that large-scale ritual vessels such as jade cong and bi were originally regarded as the embodiment of Zhou and Han dynasties have been proved as burial accessories of Liangzhu culture. This confirmation urges archaeologists to renew an earlier interpretation of societal development dimension in Liangzhu culture. The book discussed the compatibilities between types and function of Liangzhu jades vividly displayed. It provides archaeological researchers and students by gaining an in-depth perspective of aesthetic appreciation of jade while understanding of the spiritual world of people in Liangzhu as well as the transition between the functions of power and belief.

This book explains how the walls of Liangzhu City were made from bedding stones and mud, with the total area of bedding stones covering roughly 290,000 square meters. Based on ongoing research and studies, the book tells the story of how these stones were collected from the surrounding mountains and how their mining and use required massive manpower and material resources, indicating what a tremendous undertaking the construction of Liangzhu City was. The book also shares insights into the process of discovering and researching the city wall, as well as the stoneware at the Liangzhu historical site complex.