Project Construction
Resume:
Chinese Science Bulletin
Springer
Relation between human existence and environment
viewing from the distribution of prehistoric archaeo-
logical sites in the Three Gorges reservoir region
of the Yangtze River, China
ZHAO DongSheng & SHUI Tao
Department of History, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
Based on archaeological research findings in the Three Gorges region as well as the distribution of
prehistoric sites in this area, the following conclusion can be derived: the unique physical and geo-
graphical conditions and variations in the Three Gorges region make local people of different ages
seek their survival and development in the favorable environment along the riverbanks. Environment
evolution has direct impact on the selection of location for survival. The increase of sites quantity re-
flects the favorable natural environment, but the decrease just reflects the consequence of such natural
disasters as flood.
the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, prehistoric archaeology, site distribution, environment change, human existence
The Three Gorges start from Baidicheng, Fengjie ment in the Three Gorges has obtained great achieve-
ments[2 4]. Furthermore, general survey of cultural re-
County, Chongqing City in the west to the Nanjinguan,
Yichang City, Hubei Province in the east, with the total mains and archaeological excavation have also provided
length of 196 km from west to east. Mountains along the us for more than 20 Paleolithic sites and paleontological
riverbanks descend eastward in steps. The altitude of fossils sites, 80 Neolithic sites, and 100 sites and
mountaintop increases gradually from 1000 m in the tombs[5 15] of the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties. All
west section adjacent to Fengjie to 1500 1600 m at the these serve as the basis for our study.
Wushan Mountain in the east section, which once again Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to discuss
descends eastward to 200 300 m in the area adjacent to the distribution characteristics of sites from the Paleo-
Nanjinguan. The Three Gorges are divided into 3 gorge lithic Period to the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties in
sections and dale sections according to the different the Three Gorges area as well as the relation between the
structural forms and lithologies. The width of each gorge human existence and environmental change, and in
section ranges between 100 m and 250 m with the particular focus on the impact of such environmental
maximum altitude of the slope up to 1000 m; while that
Received June 3, 2007; accepted September 15, 2007
of each dale section is between 300 and 400 m with the
doi: 10.1007/s11434-008-5004-9
differential altitude of the slope up to 300 500 m[1].
Corresponding author (email: ***********@*******.***)
Supported by the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China
The unique weather and ecological environment in
(Grant No. 90411015), the University Doctoral Foundation (Grant No.
the Three Gorges area is determined by its special geo- 200********), Foundation of Important Basic Research at Nanjing University
(Grant No. 020*******), Open Foundation of the State Key Laboratory of Loess and
graphical environment. The environmental change has
Quaternary Geology from the Institute of Earth Environment, CAS (Grant No.
tremendous impact on the status of human existence. SKLLQG0503), the Physical Geography of 985 Items and the Test Foundation of
Persistent study on the restoration of ancient environ- Modern Analyses Center of Nanjing University (Grant No. 020*******)
Chinese Science Bulletin March 2008 vol. 53 Supp. I 129-139
www.scichina.com csb.scichina.com www.springerlink.com
changes as flood on the human existence in Daning its branches, together with 7 paleolith gathering sites
River Valley. discovered in Badong and Wushan.
Viewed from their distribution, sites before the late
1 Era characteristics and variation of Epipleistocene are basically distributed in the moun-
tainous area, especially in limestone terrain, with the
site distribution
average altitude of 500 1000 m. These caves of early
1.1 The Paleolithic Period
human activities are 20 50 m above the ground, which
The Three Gorges area was regarded as an important nearly limited water sources. Abundant animal fossils
original place[16] of humankind at a very early stage. So and stoneware were discovered here. Large animal fos-
far, a total of 21 human sites and Paleolithic sites have sils are in the majority. Stoneware is composed mainly
been discovered in the Three Gorges area. Besides 14 of large-size cutting wares, hatchets and pointed wares
sites having cultural stratum (Figure 1)[13,17], 7 Paleolith with rare distribution of small-size tools, indicating that
gathering sites[18 24] have also been discovered here. human beings are not accustomed to the geographical
One site of the Eopleistocene and 3 sites of the Me- environment in plain and highland at the early stage
dio-Pleistocene belong to cave site, namely, Longgupo when they came out from the primeval forest. Therefore,
in Wushan[25], Xinglong Cave in Fengjie[26], Sunjia they could only manage to select mountains with abun-
Cave[27] and Yuxu Cave[28,29] in Zigui. However, 3 dant fauna and flora resources to make a living by
among the 4 sites of the early Epipleistocene belong to means of gathering and hunting. Whereas, six sites of
cave site: Leiping Cave[30] and Migong Cave[31] in the late Epipleistocene belong to field sites. The differ-
Wushan, Xiniu Cave in Shennongjia[32]. Furthermore, ence is that the discovered fauna fossils during this pe-
there is also Fengjie Outang Site[33] located in the second riod are mainly composed of meiofauna skeleton fossils
fluvial terrace on the south bank of the Yangtze River. besides some fish fossils. Meanwhile, stoneware of this
But 6 late Epipleistocene sites (some of them in the period is also in a trend of miniaturization with the ap-
Holocene) are all distributed in the field of the first flu- pearance of such multifunctional stoneware as scraping
vial terrace along both banks of the Yangtze River and ware, the cleavers and dual-side wares.
Figure 1 Paleolithic sites map of the Three Gorges area. 1, Henglu; 2, Yufupu; 3, Caotang; 4, Yangandu; 5, Santuo; 6, Outang; 7, Xinglong Cave; 8,
Longgupo; 9, Leiping Cave; 10, Anping; 11, Migong Cave; 12, Xiniu Cave; 13, Sunjia Cave; 14, Yuxu Cave.
ZHAO DongSheng et al. Chinese Science Bulletin March 2008 vol. 53 Supp. I 129-139
130
China is in the last glacier during the early and late Neolithic sites in the Three Gorges area can be di-
Epipleistocene, and reaches the climax[34] at the end of vided into three categories: sites of the first category are
the Paleolithic Period. With the occurrence of increas- distributed on the fluvial tableland formed by branches
ingly brisk weather, the sea level descends to the mini- of the Yangtze River and creeks flowing into the River.
mum point[35] during the period of approximately18.0 ka These sites are normally high above the water surface of
BP. Meanwhile, the water level of relevant rivers also the Yangtze River with rivers flowing by, which are
witnesses a significant drop. As a result, the distribution relatively safe for human settlements.
range of animal groups is narrowed, and the alpine Sites of the second category are distributed on the
plants begin to migrate to lower mountains or even terrace with gradual slope in front of the mountains,
plains[36]. Caves in high mountains are no longer appro- which provided human with certain activity space. Ow-
priate for human existence. For this reason, human be- ing to the appropriate altitude subjects to no influence of
ings have to migrate to regions of lower altitude, and flood, these sites are appropriate for settlement.
begin to take fish resources as the important source for The third category is distributed at the outfall of riv-
living. Furthermore, economy type is in a gradual transi- ers flowing into the river or between the outfalls of two
tion from pure hunting economy to extensive type. rivers flowing into the river. Only cultural relics are
1.2 The Neolithic Period discovered at these sites. However, the limited accumu-
lated cultural strata as well as the existence of cultural
Most of Neolithic sites are concentrated on three loca-
relics indicate that this area is the traffic channel ex-
tions in the gorge (Figure 2): Xiangxi Dale, Miaonan
tended from the mountain area to riverbank in ancient
Dale and Wuxia Gorge. There are some sites distributed
time. Traces of limited human activities have also been
at Daning Dale as well as the lower branches of Daning
discovered here[37].
River and Xiangxi River. Nearly all these sites are adja-
cent to rivers or even big rivers. We divide the Neolithic Period into three stages for
Figure 2 Neolithic sites map of the Three Gorges Area. 1, Yufupu; 2, Laoguanmiao; 3, Chenjiaping; 4, Daxi; 5, Longtoushan; 6, Suolong; 7, Jiangdong-
zui; 8, Weijialiangzi; 9, Oujialaowu; 10, Pipazhou; 11, Wanliu; 12, Sijiping; 13, Baiyangping; 14, Tiaoshi; 15, Peishi; 16, Dianzitou; 17, Lijiawan; 18,
Nanmuyuan; 19, Longwangmiao; 20, Qianjintan; 21, Lijiatuo; 22, Huoyanshi; 23, Lianzixi; 24, Changduhe; 25, Laowumutian; 26, Yazizui; 27, Maozha-
iziwan; 28, Leijiaping; 29, Cangping; 30, Dukou; 31, Huangtuzui; 32, Jiuzhouhe; 33, Shaguanling; 34, Lianyushan; 35, Hejiaping; 36, Miaoping; 37,
Gongjiadagou; 38, Yuzhongdi; 39, Liujiaba; 40, Guanzhuangping; 41, Tianjiapo; 42, Puzhuanghe; 43, Dongmentou; 44, Shangmonao; 45, Liulinxi; 46,
Xiaoxikou; 47, Wuxiangmiao; 48, Lujiahe; 49, Chaotianzui; 50, Jiangjuntan; 51, Xiaweizi; 52, Taiqiu; 53, Shawan; 54, Zhongbaodao; 55, Sandouping; 56,
Wopengdun; 57, Baimiao; 58, Daping; 59, Yangjiawan; 60, Qingshuitan; 61, Baishiwan; 62, Yangjiazui; 63, Xiaan; 64, Zhujiatai.
ZHAO DongSheng et al. Chinese Science Bulletin March 2008 vol. 53 Supp. I 129-139 131
mode. For instance, Nanmuyuan Site covers a total area
discussion. The early, middle and late stages are 11.0
of 50000 m2, of which, the altitude decreases from over
8.5 ka BP, 8.5 6.3 ka BP and 6.3 4.0 ka BP.
140 m to 100 140 m. However, tools of production
Early Neolithic sites are mainly distributed in two ar-
discovered here are mainly chipped stone tools with lim-
eas, periphery of Fengjie and Wuxia Gorge within the
ited polished stone artifacts, indicating a preliminary
territory of Badong. Coincidently, Paleolithic sites are
agriculture. Fishing and hunting has still an important
also distributed in these two areas. Most of regions with
position at that time[40]. Furthermore, this area shares the
the distribution of these sites are characterized by their
common tradition of stone implements. Besides Nan-
high altitude and small range, which are not appropriate
muyuan Site, numerous stone wares have also been dis-
for settlement and agricultural production. However,
covered on such sites as Baiyangping, Dianzitou,
there are many fauna and flora resources available here.
Huoyanshi and Lianzixi or even at later Daxi and Qu-
This indicates that human beings continue to follow
jialing Cultural Remains[41]. This indicates that natural
their original mode of survival. Therefore, they would
environment has tremendous restriction and impact on
prefer to reside in those regions of higher altitude with
these sites distributed in the previous areas where the
abundant fauna and flora resources. As these regions are
cultural development is very slow. However, agriculture
characterized by limited activity space and poor traffic
and husbandry in the sites distributed in dale areas are
conditions, people can only manage to make living by
more advanced than that on the sites distributed within
means of hunting and gathering, while unable to develop
Wuxia Gorge during the same period[42 44]. Nevertheless,
agriculture.
After the Last Glacial Maximum, water level in the the change of site distribution areas as well as the re-
Three Gorges area gradually increases with the signifi- duced water level that brings convenience for human
cant rise of air temperature. However, there are numer- existence also incurs another consequence frequent
ous violent fluctuations during the process of rise of air attack of floods. Moreover, floods around 6.0 ka BP even
temperature and sea level. Several abrupt weather causes the end of the mid Neolithic Period (Table 1).
changes are disastrous to human existence[35]. Even in The late Neolithic Period is another picture. Sites of
the postglacial period north and south regions of China this period are distributed in the whole Gorge area, and
during the period of 11.0 10.0 ka BP is witnessed ob- even extended to such big branches as the Daning River
vious low temperature[38]. Consequently, the ancients and Xiangxi River. In the early Holocene, approximately
before 8.5 ka BP, air temperature rises unsteadily[39].
coming down from the high mountains in the late Paleo-
lithic Period still suffer from disasters brought forth by Temperature rise reaches its climax in the Mid-Holocene
the environmental change. This kind of situation lasts approximately at 6.3 ka BP. The temperature also wit-
into the occurrence of the early Neolithic before 8.5 ka nesses a downward fluctuation at 7.8 ka BP and 7.3 ka
BP at the beginning of the Holocene Epoch[39]. There- BP, respectively, which imposes a certain impact on the
fore, sites of the late Paleolithic Period and early Neo- culture. This phenomenon is more obvious in the Daning
lithic Period in the Three Gorges area are rare and scat- River valley. The most obvious cold front is at the cli-
tered, and there is no obvious human migration. max of Holocene Megathermal approximately around
6.3 ka BP, which accompanies with massive floods[3]. It
In addition to the previous distribution areas, sites of
the middle Neolithic Period begin to extend to those causes the end of Mid-Neolithic Period. After that, the
areas more favorable for human survival. While looking air temperature steadily decreases with the water level,
from the sites size or culture connotations, the mode of and thus causes the abundant accumulated soil in the
existence in sites of the previous distribution area is di- river valley. Therefore, cultures in the Three Gorges area
vorced from the whole dependence on natural resource enter the second evolution period the late Neolithic
Timetable for floods occurring from the middle Neolithic Period to the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties (modified and prepared by Zhu et al.[3])
Table 1
(Unit: ka BP)
Chengbeixi-Daxi Daxi-Qujialing Baimiao type of Chu and
Qujialing-Shijiahe
Cultural section
Culture Culture Shijiahe Culture Qin Culture
Culture
7.0 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.7 4.5 4.0 3.5 2.5 2.0
Flood duration
Period The mid-late Neolithic Period The late Neolithic Period The Xia, Shang & Zhou Dynasties
ZHAO DongSheng et al. Chinese Science Bulletin March 2008 vol. 53 Supp. I 129-139
132
Period. The late Neolithic Period witnesses an obvious Dynasty, culture at east part of the Three Gorges area is
decrease of temperature[39,45] and two floods (Table 1) at characterized by the typical Chu Culture, which is
5.3 4.8 ka BP, which compel people to leave their gradually propagated westward. The Chu Culture is
home. However, they restore their life[46] at the original introduced to the west part of the Three Gorges area in
place after a short departure. This indicates that the area the mid period of Warring States. With the variation of
available for human existence is so limited. At the same cultural tradition, impact of environment on the cultural
time, human beings develope certain perception on dis- development exhibits some new features.
asters such as floods. However, flood can still change So, we can divide the sites of the Xia, Shang and
this kind of life style in some places, and compel human Zhou Dynasties into two stages for analysis: from the
beings to leave their original place in a long run. For Xia Dynasty to the middle period of Western Zhou Dy-
instance, the Nanmuyuan Site once witnesses a period of nasty, approximately between 4.0 and 2.8 ka BP; from
culture intermission following the Daxi Culture and the the middle period of the Western Zhou Dynasty to War-
follow-up cultures. This is probably related to the high ring States, approximately between 2.8 and 2.2 ka BP.
temperature during this period as well as the fact that the Sites from the Xia, Shang Dynasties to the middle pe-
site is submerged by water for a long time[47]. riod of Western Zhou Dynasty are mainly distributed in
1.3 The Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties human settlements established in the late Neolithic Pe-
riod (Figure 3). However, the first cold period[48] fol-
Around 2.8 ka BP, the culture development in the Three
lowing the Holocene Megathermal makes its appearance
Gorges area are interrupted by the intrusion of the West-
approximately during the period from 3.1 to 2.85 ka BP.
ern Zhou Culture in the Central Plain area, while the Ba
Culture rises at the same time. In the Eastern Zhou From then on, Sites, such as Shuangyantang of the
Figure 3 Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties sites map of the Three Gorges area. 1, Qutangguan; 2, Laoguanmiao; 3, Wangjiabao; 4, Chenjiaping; 5, Baishu-
lin; 6, Maituo; 7, Wagangcao; 8, Longmenkou; 9, Xiufengyizhong; 10, Shuitianwan; 11, Pipazhou; 12, Tujiaba; 13, Lanjiazhai; 14, Shuangyantang; 15,
Zhangjiawan; 16, Xiatuo; 17, Tiaoshi; 18, Peishi; 19, Sijiping; 20, Baiyangping; 21, Tuzhaizi; 22, Fulixi; 23, Dianzitou; 24, Lijiawan; 25, Nanmuyuan; 26,
Huoyanshi; 27, Changtuohe; 28, Longwangmiao; 29, Qianjintan; 30, Lijiatuo; 31, Xirangkou; 32, Gaoweizi; 33, Renjiaping; 34, Luoping; 35, Xuetangbao;
36, Daheping; 37, Maozhaiziwan; 38, Leijiaping; 39, Tuanbao; 40, Hengping; 41, Dukou; 42, Fenyanwo; 43, Xiaoyaogutuo; 44, Miaoping; 45, Hejiaping;
46, Hejiadagou; 47, Gongjiadagou; 48, Puzhuanghe; 49, Daliangwei; 50, Yuzhongdi; 51, Tianjiapo; 52, Chenjiawan; 53, Ganjiapo; 54, Heguangzui; 55,
Guanzhuangping; 56, Zhangjiaping; 57, Wangjiaba; 58, Hekanshang; 59, Qiaojiaba; 60, Lijiafen; 61, Xiangxikou; 62, Liulinxi, Shangmonao; 63,
Wuxiangmiao; 64, Wangjiawan; 65, Lujiahe; 66, Xiaoxikou; 67, Dashaba; 68, Chaotianzui; 69, Changfutuo; 70, Xiaweizi; 71, Taiqiu; 72, Shawan; 73,
Qingcaoba; 74, Quxikou; 75, Hougang; 76, Sandouping; 77, Wopengdun; 78, Baimiao; 79, Daping; 80, Sanjiatuo; 81, Zhuoqituo; 82, Baishiwan; 83, Xiaan;
84, Zhujiatai; 85, Zhongbaodao; 86, Sejiatuo.
ZHAO DongSheng et al. Chinese Science Bulletin March 2008 vol. 53 Supp. I 129-139 133
above the river exceeded that at any stage of the Neo-
middle Western Zhou Dynasty begin to appear at the
lithic Period[3]. The intensity of exceptional flood at
Dachang Basin in the hinterland of Daning River.
3983 483 a BP was even higher than that in 1870[50].
When compared with primitive ancients of the Neo-
lithic Period, climate environment is no longer the sole Based on the variation of elevation of sites above the
decisive factor for human beings in selecting their set- river, flood log as well as the actual situation of signifi-
tlements. With the further expansion of human commu- cant reduction of site quantities, a conclusion can be
nications and activities as well as the development and drawn that the intensity of flood threat during this period
utilization of common salt resources within Dachang is so high, which causes the cultural slack. The distribu-
Basin[49], living area of the people in the Three Gorges tion of sites gradually restores to the level before the Xia
Dynasty until the Shang Dynasty.
area is further expanded. Besides human settlements
Among the three locations of the Neolithic Period to
established in the Neolithic Period, many temporary set-
the Shang and Zhou Dynasties in centralized distribution,
tlements also make their appearances, for instance, min-
two are dales and the other east section of Wuxia Gorge
ing spots, ancient battle fields, and frontier junctures and
areas. Why is the number of sites in Daning Dale so lim-
so on. Distribution of human sites is no longer limited to
ited compared with numerous sites at Badong section in
both banks of the Yangtze River. More sites are extended
Wuxia Gorge areas within the same dale?
to the hinterland of the bigger branches represented by
The Drainage area of the Yangtze River between
the Daning River, Shennong River and Xiangxi River,
Fengjie and Wushan Mountain and Daning River serves
etc.
as the junction of East Sichuan fold belt, Southeast Si-
According to the statistics of sites quantity in differ-
chuan fold belt and Dabashan arc fault fold belt, be-
ent areas (Figure 4), a significant decrease can be found
longing to frequent occurring area of avalanche and
in the quantities of sites of the Xia Dynasty. According
landslip[51] caused by the fluvial block structure. The
to Zhu, the height of the sites in this area above the river
witnessed a rise in fluctuation approximately between area between Qutang Gorge and Wuxia Gorge is one of
the locations subjecting to frequent geologic hazards[52].
4.0 and 3.6 ka BP. The average height of cultural sites
Archaeology sites distribution and volume histogram.
Figure 4
ZHAO DongSheng et al. Chinese Science Bulletin March 2008 vol. 53 Supp. I 129-139
134
and torrential water, its stable landform and abundant
Landforms of Dabashan and Wushan Mountain are
composed mainly of mountains of middle or low height, fauna and flora resources are essential factors for human
which are characterized by the high altitude, precipitous settlement.
slope and obvious vertical variation of natural conditions.
2 Characteristics and variations of site
The middle mountain area is characterized by compact
structural fold, developed fault, deep cut, precipitous distribution in Daning River Valley
valley, narrow river valley terrace and obvious vertical
So far, more than 40 archaeological sites have been dis-
distribution of soil53]. Whereas, altitude of both sides of
covered in the Daning River Valley[4,15], in which, more
Daning Dale along the Yangtze River is approximately
than 30 sites have been excavated (Figure 5). Most of
1000 m with mountain ridges far spaced. There are only
these sites are distributed on the plain dam at the gate-
several adjacent mountains on the right bank of lower
way.
reaches at Daxi Town where only few branches or rivers
No cultural sites of the Paleolithic Period have been
flow into the Yangtze River. As there is limited space for
discovered at the Daning River Valley yet except for a
vertical development along the rivers, few people have
limited amount of paleolithic discovered at the Jiang-
ever selected to settle here except for mountains despite
dongzui Site, junction between the Daning River and the
of the fact that the dale was in existence early in ancient
time. At Badong County, the area of coverage[54] be- Yangtze River. While, there are traces of human activi-
ties during the period from the early to late Paleolithic
tween Fengjie and Wushan frequently is subject to such
Period in the area to the south of Wushan County, not far
geologic hazards as flow erosion. Therefore, although
the Badong section of Wuxia Gorge has high mountains away from Jiangdongzui. Therefore, from the point of
Archaeology sites map of the Daning River Valley.
Figure 5
ZHAO DongSheng et al. Chinese Science Bulletin March 2008 vol. 53 Supp. I 129-139 135
view of cultural tradition, Jiangdongzui is supposed to Xia and Shang Dynasties as compared with that in the
Neolithic Period. However, according to the study of
be a temporary settlement of the Paleolithic Period.
Zhu[48], the climate in China began to become cold in the
Natural environment along the Daning River at the up-
Western Zhou Dynasty, especially during its middle and
per reaches of Jiangdongzui is not up to the require-
late period. The Hanjiang River once witnessed two
ments of human beings of the Paleolithic Period for ex-
frosts in 903BC and 897BC. Correspondingly, the water
istence and site selection. Landform here is complicated
level of Daning River also witnessed a decrease. At the
and diversified. While the upper reaches are composed
same time, human activities begin to emerge at the Da-
of mountain valley, the middle reaches consist of Da-
chang Basin in the hinterland of Daning River accompa-
chang Basin. The Dachang Basin is surrounded by the
nied by the increase in number of sites. The wide distri-
Daba Mountain to the east and the Wushan Mountain to
bution of accumulated gravel under the cultural strata at
the south. Precipitous cliffs of all these mountains are
the Shuangyantang Site indicates that the riverbed of
formed along the river due to the erosion of the water.
Daning River once witnesses the variation. This area
Although it is only a branch of the Yangtze River, the
subjects to the frequent impact of Daning River before
Daning River is characterized by numerous wide distri-
human beings made their settlements here in the middle
bution of bottomlands, wide riverbed, swift currents and
Western Zhou Dynasty.
abrupt rise and drop of flood. Rocks here are composed
Sites of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty in Daning Valley
mainly of efflorescent and crushed sandy mudstone with
little distribution of dissolved caverns[55]. Natural disas- mainly include the Liujiaba at its upper reaches, Lan-
jiazhai[61], Zhangjiawan[62], Linjiamatou[4] and Tujiaba[63]
ters such as landslip and debris flow are serious here.
at its middle reaches as well as Pipazhou at its lower
Neolithic sites discovered in the Daning River Valley
reaches. Air temperature here witnesses a continuous
mainly include the Oujialaowu[56], Weijialiangzi[57] and
rise[48] in the Spring and Autumn Period, Warring States
Pipazhou Site[58] along both banks of its lower reaches
as well as the Qin and Han Dynasties, respectively.
as well as Jiangdongzui, Kongshengquan, People s Hos-
During that period, the Shuangyantang Site is aban-
pital and Nanling Site[15] along both banks of estuary
doned; whereas, area of other site is also so limited.
between the Daning River and the Yangtze River.
Among these Neolithic Sites, Oujialaowu has the long-
3 Conclusions
est history, which can be traced back to approximately
7.0 6.0 ka BP; sites such as People s Hospital, Wei- Several conclusions can be drawn from the distribution
jialiangzi and Jiangdongzui can be traced back to about of archaeological sites from the Paleolithic Period to the
6.0 5.0 ka BP. Other Neolithic Sites can be traced back Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties in the Three Gorges
area:
to 5.0 4.0 ka BP. Obviously, the ancients of the Neo-
(1) Atrocious weather conditions may threaten human
lithic Period never cross the Daning River to the first
existence, and cause the interruption of cultural layers.
gorge-Longmen Gorge adjacent to the Yangtze River.
Numerous climate damages cause the interruption of
These early sites are established during the culture tran-
cultural layers in the Gorge area since the Neolithic Pe-
sition period or the period when the air temperature is
riod.
fluctuating. This indicates that the process for human
(2) The limited living space, low production power
beings to expand their living space into surrounding area
and fluent natural disasters make ancestors before the
is closely related to the variation of environment.
late Paleolithic Period prefer to select places of high
Sites of the Xia, Shang and Western Zhou Dynasties
altitude with abundant fauna and flora resources and
in the Daning River Valley are composed mainly of
ready-made shielded caves for settlement. They bear the
those sites of the Xia and Shang Dynasties such as
hardships to make stoneware from gravel.
Jiangdongzui and Pipazhou as well as those sites of the
(3) Commencing from the late Paleolithic Period, the
middle or late Western Zhou Dynasty, such as Shuang-
yantang[59] and Liujiaba[60] at the middle reaches of Dan- ancients begin to leave the high slope to seek more fa-
vorable settlements. By living in spacious area of lower
ing River. It is observed that sites before the middle
elevation along rivers, they could easily obtain relevant
Western Zhou Dynasty were obstructed by Bawu Gorge.
resources by fishing and hunting, and engage in agricul-
It closely related to the slow cultural development in the
ZHAO DongSheng et al. Chinese Science Bulletin March 2008 vol. 53 Supp. I 129-139
136
until the Shang Dynasty that the culture sites restore to
tural activities. The Holocene Hypsithermal Period is the
its full scale before the Xia Dynasty. Sites during that
most favorable period for cultural development. Owing to
period are distributed in the dale along the Yangtze
the fertile soil brought by the floods in dales, the culture
River as well as the valley of big branches. The middle
during this period undergoes a fast development. How-
and late Western Zhou Dynasty embraces a short cold
ever, floods eventually lead to the end of this period.
period. People began to make their settlements in the
(4) The ancient culture reaches the second climax at
valleys along the branches of Yangtze River, which are
the beginning of the late Neolithic Period with the com-
once insurmountable due to high water level or unavail-
ing of the second warm period. However, the full-scale
able for living due to limited space. This tradition con-
abrupt climate change in the Xia Dynasty once again
tinues in the Warring States.
causes the significant decadence of culture. It was not
Gorges Reservoir Region, Chongqing, Vol. 1997 (in Chinese). Beijing:
1 Wang J, Wang B S, Luo Z Q. eds. Yangtze River Thesaurus (in Chi-
Science Press, 2001
nese). Hubei: Wuhan Press, 1997. 78 79
11 Chongqing Office of Cultural Relics, Chongqing Emigration Office,
2 Shi W, Report on the development of Holocene Epoch environmental
eds. Collections of Reports on Archaeological Excavation in the Three
archaeology and the environment changes studies in the Three Gorges
Gorges Reservoir Region, Chongqing, Vol. 1998 (in Chinese). Beijing:
area. J Chongqing Normal University (Philosophy and Social Science
Science Press, 2003
edition) (in Chinese), 2006, 3: 106 110
12 Chongqing Office of Cultural Relics, Chongqing Emigration Office,
3 Zhu C, Yu S Y, Lu C C, et al. The study of Holocene environmental
eds. Collections of Reports on Archaeological Excavation in the Three
archaeology and extreme flood disaster in the Three Gorges of the
Gorges Reservoir Region, Chongqing, Vol. 1999 (in Chinese). Beijing:
Changjiang River and the Jianghan Plain. Acta Geogr Sin, 1997, 52(3):
Science Press, 2006
268 278
13 Wei Q. Paleolith of Three Gorges area. In: L Z E. ed. Review of
4 Shi J H. Environmental archaeology exploration in Daning Valley of
Archaeological Study in China-Paleolithic Archaeology (in Chinese).
the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. Sichuan Cultural Relics (in
Beijing: Science Press, 2004. 340 369
Chinese), 2006, 3: 64 70
14 Pei S W, Feng X W, Chen F Y. New discovery of Paleolithic remains
5 State Administration of Cultural Heritage of People s Republic of
in the Three Gorges reservoir region. China Cultural Relics News (in
China Leading Group for Protection of Cultural Relics of Three
Chinese), April 18, 2001, front-page
Gorges Project Hubei Work Station, ed. Archaeological Finding in
15 Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics Management Committee, Sichuan
Three Gorges Area, Vol. 1 (in Chinese). Hubei: Hubei Science and
Institute of Historic Relic Archaeology and Research, Wushan County
Technology Press, 1998
Cultural Center. Report for ancient sites in Yangtze River and Daning
6 State Administration of Cultural Heritage of People s Republic of
Valley. In: Sichuan Institute of Historic Relic Archaeology and Re-
China Leading Group for Protection of Cultural Relics of Three
search, ed. Collections of Reports on Archaeology in Sichuan (in
Gorges Project Hubei Work Station, ed. Archaeological Finding in
Chinese). Beijing: Cultural Relic Press, 1998. 1 10
Three Gorges Area, Vol. 2 (in Chinese). Hubei: Hubei Science and
16 Pei S W, Gao X, Feng X W, et al. Human adaptive behaviors during
Technology Press, 1998
Pleistocene in the Three Gorges region. Quat Sci, 2006, 26(4):
7 Administration Office of Three Gorges Project Construction Com-
534 541
mission of the State Council, State Administration of Cultural Heri-
17 Wei Q, Lin S L, Li Y, et al. Investigation of Paleolithic, paleoanthro-
tage, eds. Collections of Reports on the Archaeological Excavation in
pological and vertebrate paleontological remains in the Three Gorges
the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Hubei, Vol. 1 (in Chinese). Bei-
reservoir region. In: China Three Gorges construction year book edi-
jing: Science Press, 2003
tion committee, ed. China Three Gorges Construction Yearbook (in
8 Administration Office of Three Gorges Project Construction Com-
Chinese). Yichang: China Three Gorges Construction Yearbook Press,
mission of the State Council, State Administration of Cultural Heri-
1997. 100 109
tage, eds. Collections of Reports on the Archaeological Excavation in
18 Hubei Institute of Historic Relic Archaeology and Research Jinan
the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Hubei, Vol. 2 (in Chinese). Bei-
Work Station. Bulletin for excavation of Gaoweizi site at Badong. In:
jing: Science Press, 2005
Administration Office of Three Gorges Project Construction Com-
9 Administration Office of Three Gorges Project Construction Com-
mission of the State Council, State Administration of Cultural Heri-
mission of the State Council, State Administration of Cultural Heri-
tage, eds. Collections of Reports on the Archaeological Excavation in
tage, eds. Collections of Reports on the Archaeological Excavation in
the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Hubei, Vol. 2 (in Chinese). Bei-
the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Hubei, Vol. 3 (in Chinese). Bei-
jing: Science Press, 2005. 66 85
jing: Science Press, 2006
19 Hubei Institute of Historic Relic Archaeology and Research Jinan
10 Chongqing Office of Cultural Relics, Chongqing Emigration Office,
Work Station. Bulletin for Excavation of Paleolithic site at Fulixi,
eds. Collections of Reports on Archaeological Excavation in the Three
ZHAO DongSheng et al. Chinese Science Bulletin March 2008 vol. 53 Supp. I 129-139 137
30 Liu W. Some problems with the study of late Paleistocene human
Badong. In: Administration Office of Three Gorges Project Con-
evolution and modernists formation. Adv Study Nat Sci (in Chinese),
struction Commission of the State Council, State Administration of
2006, 16(7): 14 21
Cultural Heritage, eds. Collections of Reports on the Archaeological
31 Huang W B, Xu Z Q. Fengjie Man of 140000 Years Ago-Ancients
Excavation in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Hubei, Vol. 2 (in
Sites Excavated in Tiankeng Difeng Area (in Chinese). Beijing:
Chinese). Beijing: Science Press, 2005. 57 65
Zhonghua Book Company, 2002. 1 83
20 Hubei Institute of Historic Relic Archaeology and Research Jinan
32 Wu X Z. Report on excavation of Paleolithic site at Rhinoceros Cave,
Work Station, Bulletin for Excavation of Shizhuzi site at Badong. In:
Shennongjia. Acta Anthropol Sin, 1998, 17(2): 121 136
Administration Office of Three Gorges Project Construction Com-
33 Ye M L. Brief introduction of Paleolithic sites in Sichuan. In: De-
mission of the State Council, State Administration of Cultural Heri-
partment of Archaeology, Sichuan University, ed. Festschrift on 35th
tage, eds. Collections of Reports on the Archaeological Excavation in
Anniversary of Department of Archaeology of Sichuan University (in
the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Hubei, Vol. 2 (in Chinese). Bei-
Chinese). Sichuan: Sichuan University Press, 1998. 1 23
jing: Science Press, 2005.178 186
34 Yang H R, Xie Z R. Weather fluctuation and eustacy in the past
21 Hubei Institute of Historic Relic Archaeology and Research, Bulletin
20,000 years in China. Ocean and Lagoon (in Chinese), 1984, 15(1):
for Excavation of Wanliu site at Badong. In: Administration Office of
1 13
Three Gorges Project Construction Commission of the State Council,
35
State Administration of Cultural Heritage, eds. Collections of Reports Yang H R, Chen X Q. Palaeoclimate in late glacial period. In: Yang H
on the Archaeological Excavation in the Three Gorges Reservoir Re- R, ed. Collections of Theses on Quatonary Glacier and Geology (in
gion, Hubei, Vol. 2 (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press, 2005. Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1988. 22 40
210 219 36 Zhao J, ed. Chinese Physical Geography (in Chinese). Beijing: Higher
22 Hubei Institute of Historic Relic Archaeology and Research Jinan Education Press, 1995. 119
Work Station, Bulletin for excavation of Changduhe site at Badong. In: 37 Ma J X. Several features of distribution of ancient culture sites in
Administration Office of Three Gorges Project Construction Com- Three Gorges area. Jianghan Archaeology (in Chinese), 1988, 4:
mission of the State Council, State Administration of Cultural Heri- 115 119
tage, eds. Collections of Reports on the Archaeological Excavation in 38 Zhu C, Yu S Y. Analysis report on sectional spore and pollen at
the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Hubei, Vol. 2 (in Chinese). Bei- Zhangjiawan site, Dachang Town, Wushan. In: Chongqing Office of
jing: Science Press, 2005. 17 21 Cultural Relics, Chongqing Emigration Office, eds. Collections of
23 Hubei Institute of Historic Relic Archaeology and Research, Bulletin Reports on Archaeological Excavation in the Three Gorges Reservoir
for excavation of Jiuhongyan site at Badong. In: Administration Of- Region, Chongqing, Vol. 1998 (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press,
fice of Three Gorges Project Construction Commission of the State 2003. 205
Council, State Administration of Cultural Heritage, eds. Collections 39 Shi Y F, Kong Z C, Wang S M, et al. Basic features of Holocene
of Reports on the Archaeological Excavation in the Three Gorges Hypsithermal climate and environment in China. In: Shi Y F, ed.
Reservoir Region, Hubei, Vol. 3 (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press, Holocene Hypsithermal Climate and Environment in China (in Chi-
2006. 338 341 nese). Beijing: Ocean Press, 1992. 8
24 Chongqing Bureau of Culture, Wushan County Administration Office 40 Administration Office of Three Gorges Project Construction Com-
of Cultural Relics. Report on excavation of tomb groups at Jiang- mission of the State Council, State Administration of Cultural Heri-
dongzui, Wushan. In: Chongqing Office of Cultural Relics, tage, eds. Nanmuyuan Site at Badong (in Chinese). Beijing: Science
Chongqing Emigration Office, eds. Collections of Reports on Ar- Press, 2006. 406
chaeological Excavation in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, 41 Hubei Institute of Historic Relic Archaeology and Research. Brief
Chongqing, Vol. 1997 (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press, 2003. report on excavation of Lijiawan site at Badong. In: Administration
206 231 Office of Three Gorges Project Construction Commission of the State
25 Huang W B, Fang Q R. Relics of Wushan Ape Man Site (in Chinese). Council, State Administration of Cultural Heritage, eds. Collections
Beijing: Ocean Press, 1991. 1 230 of Reports on the Archaeological Excavation in the Three Gorges
26 Gao X, Huang W B, Xu Z Q, et al. Ancients fossil of 120,000-150,000 Reservoir Region, Hubei, Vol. 2 (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press,
years ago and ivory scores excavated in Xinglong Cave in Three 2005. 1 16
Gorges area. Chin Sci Bull, 2003, 48(23): 246*-****-** Three Gorges Archaeological Team of State Administration of
27 Dong M X. Brief report on investigation of Paleolithic cultural sites at Cultural Heritage of People s Republic of China, ed. Chaotianzhui
Sunjia Cave, Zigui, Hubei. J Acta Anthropol Sin, 1999, 18(2): and Zhongbaodao Sites (in Chinese). Beijing: Cultural Relic Press,
28 Breakthrough in exploration of Paleolith in Three Gorges area, Hubei. 43 Administration Office of Three Gorges Project Construction Com-
China Cultural Relic News (in Chinese), April 3, 1994, front page mission of the State Council, State Administration of Cultural Heri-
29 Wu X Z, Zhang X M. Investigation of Paleolithic cultural sites of tage, eds. Liulinxi Site at Zigui (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press,
ancients and animal fossils in Three Gorges area. China Three-Gorges 2003
Project News (in Chinese), January 13, 1994, front page 44 Yangtze River Water Resources Commission. Lujiahe Site at Yichang:
ZHAO DongSheng et al. Chinese Science Bulletin March 2008 vol. 53 Supp. I 129-139
138
ology of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Excavation of Wei-
An Excavation Report on the Three Gorges Project. Beijing: Science
jialiangzi site at Wushan, Sichuan. Archaeology (in Chinese with
Press, 2002
English abstract), 1996, 8: 1 18
45 Wang J D. Preliminary comment on the relation between geographical
58 Archaeological Work Team of Three Gorges of Institute of Archae-
environment and primitive culture
Contact this candidate