Ruins
of Ancient Pond Unearthed
in Central China
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The latest discovery
of the ruins of an ancient pond, which dates back to the Yangshao
Culture some 5,600 to 6,800 years ago, indicates that primitive
Chinese clans mastered advanced techniques for controlling water
resources.
The water conservation cistern, unearthed
in the Xipo site of Lingbao City of central China's Henan Province,
measures 30 meters long by 10 meters wide.
The bank on the south part of the cistern
works together with a number of pits in the bottom to store and
drain rainwater for people's daily needs, according to archeologists
from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Henan archeological
research institute, in charge of the excavation project.
Some other cultural relics, including 30
ash pits, two crypts, and a large amount of pottery and stoneware,
clay masks and bone ornaments were also unearthed in an area of
500 square meters at the Xipo site.
It is believed that the site, covering 300
square kilometers, was a political and cultural center during
the reign of Emperor Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor), the legendary
founder of the Chinese nation, over 5,000 years ago. It offers
valuable clues for the study of the origin of Chinese civilization.
(Xinhua 02/07/2001)
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