A comparative study of Shimao and Taosi
Abstract
Shimao and Taosi are the two most important North China mega-sites dating from the late Longshan through early Xia. Both were possibly early political centers. Based on a comprehensive analysis of updated archaeological discoveries and the results of interdisciplinary research, the current study is a preliminary discussion of interactions between Shimao and Taosi. We argue that the inter-site dynamic varied over time. More importantly, Shimao influenced middle and late Taosi to the extent of altering its cultural identity, as evidenced by the archaeological record.
Postscript
The original report was published in Kaogu 考古 (Archaeology) 2020.5:65–77 with 12 illustrations and 43 notes. This English version, translated by Edward Allen 安达, has excised the notes and added further readings.
Further readings
Dai, Xiangming 戴向明. 2014. 陶寺、石峁与二里头—中原及北方早期国家的形成 (Taosi, Shimao, Erlitou: state formation in the Central Plains and North in early China). In Xia Shang duyi yu wenhua (er)—Jinian Erlitou yizhi faxian 55 zhounian xueshu yantaohui lunwenji 夏商都邑与文化——纪念二里头遗址发现55 周年学术研讨会论文集(Capitals and cultures of Xia and Shang (II)— A Festschrift in memory of Erlitou site’s 55th discovery). Beijing: Zhongguo shehui kexue chubanshe.
Han, Jianye 韩建业. 2001. 唐伐西夏与稷放丹朱 (On “Taotang campaigns to the west against Xia” and “Ji Ji’s banishment of Danzhu”). Beijing daxue xuebao (zhexue shehui kexueban) 北京大学学报 ( 哲学社会科学版) (Journal of Peking University [philosophy and social sciences]) 4:119–123.
He, Nu 何驽. 2015. 对于陶寺文化晚期聚落形态与社会变化的新认识 (A new understanding of settlement patterns and social changes in the late Taosi culture ). In Xin shiji de Zhongguo kaoguxue (xu)—Wang Zhongshu xiansheng jiushi huadan jinian lunwenji 新世纪的中国考古学( 续)—王仲殊先生九十华诞纪念论文集 (Chinese archaeology for the new century (cont.)—A Festschrift in honor of Mr. Wang Zhongshu’s 90th birthday). Beijing: Kexue chubanshe.
© 2021 Walter De Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- New archaeological discoveries
- The Longshan culture site at Ximengzhuang, Tengzhou, Shandong
- The Honghe site in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang
- The grand platform of Huangchengtai at Shimao site in Shenmu, Shaanxi
- The 2018–2019 excavation of the Xiwubi site in Jiangxian County, Shanxi
- Zeng state cemetery at Zaoshulin during the Spring and Autumn period, Suizhou, Hubei
- The excavation of tomb M1 in Quangou cemetery, Wulan County, Qinghai
- Reports
- The 2016–2018 excavation of the cemetery at the Sunjiagang site, Lixian County, Hunan
- The excavation of a cache of lead ingots in Liujiazhuang Locus North of Yinxu, Anyang, Henan
- Research
- Analyzing the functional structure of pottery jiandiping amphorae
- Shimao culture: naming, distribution, and chronology
- A comparative study of Shimao and Taosi
- New insights into the settlement patterns of the capital city at Erlitou
- On the brass ewer unearthed from the crypt of the Shang-fang Śarīra Stupa of Qingshan Monastery in Lintong District, Shaanxi
- The physical evolution and biocultural adaptation indicated by the human skeletons of Donghulin site, Beijing
- Plant remains unearthed at the Donghulin site in Beijing: discussion on results of flotation
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- New archaeological discoveries
- The Longshan culture site at Ximengzhuang, Tengzhou, Shandong
- The Honghe site in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang
- The grand platform of Huangchengtai at Shimao site in Shenmu, Shaanxi
- The 2018–2019 excavation of the Xiwubi site in Jiangxian County, Shanxi
- Zeng state cemetery at Zaoshulin during the Spring and Autumn period, Suizhou, Hubei
- The excavation of tomb M1 in Quangou cemetery, Wulan County, Qinghai
- Reports
- The 2016–2018 excavation of the cemetery at the Sunjiagang site, Lixian County, Hunan
- The excavation of a cache of lead ingots in Liujiazhuang Locus North of Yinxu, Anyang, Henan
- Research
- Analyzing the functional structure of pottery jiandiping amphorae
- Shimao culture: naming, distribution, and chronology
- A comparative study of Shimao and Taosi
- New insights into the settlement patterns of the capital city at Erlitou
- On the brass ewer unearthed from the crypt of the Shang-fang Śarīra Stupa of Qingshan Monastery in Lintong District, Shaanxi
- The physical evolution and biocultural adaptation indicated by the human skeletons of Donghulin site, Beijing
- Plant remains unearthed at the Donghulin site in Beijing: discussion on results of flotation
