Archaeologists in the mountains of China have discovered the remains of an ancient Bronze Age city, which turned out not to have been under the rule of the Shang dynasty that controlled the region at that time.
This discovery includes a large archaeological complex dating back to the Shang Dynasty on the Loess Plateau in northern China. Excavations revealed that the site was a prosperous regional center containing palaces, tombs of the elite, and chariots, but it was not directly part of the Shang state.
At the archaeological site of Zhaigou in Shaanxi province, scientists studied dozens of structures, including palaces and a massive building constructed of rammed earth, covering an area of approximately two hectares. The building sat atop a hill and was surrounded by strong earthen walls reaching up to 16 meters in height. Inside, researchers unearthed thousands of pottery fragments, stone tools, jade artifacts, and bones used in divination rituals.
According to the researchers, this huge building was used for public celebrations and religious rituals, but the discovery of vessels used for storing provisions indicates that it performed multiple functions at the same time.
Near the site, in the Hu Liujiata cemetery, scientists discovered four large tombs containing the remains of chariots, axles, drawbars, and ribbed wheels. Bronze artifacts, jade ornaments, gold earrings, and other luxury items characteristic of the Shang dynasty were also found there.
However, the burial rituals in these tombs differed markedly from those practiced in the dynasty's capital, Anyang. In particular, researchers found no sacrificial platforms, which were a key element in the elite tombs of the capital.
Scholars believe that the city was culturally influenced by the Shang dynasty, but it maintained its political and cultural independence, as the local elite adopted some elements of the advanced Shang civilization, while preserving its own traditions.
