Taosi

ancient site, China

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July 14, 2026

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The Taosi site in China is an ancient settlement associated with the Longshan culture, which dates from approximately 2600 to 2000 BCE. This culture is known for its fine pottery, polished stone tools, and unique divination practices using heated cattle bones. Some scholars identify Taosi as a capital of the legendary Xia dynasty, based on the discovery of lavishly furnished burials that suggest a royal nature. The introduction of bronze casting during this period also marked significant societal changes, including increased warfare and complex social hierarchies.1

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China
The advent of bronze casting
Taosi, also in southern Shanxi, has been identified as a Xia capital because of the “royal” nature of five large male burials found there that were lavishly provided with grave goods. Although they fall within the region traditionally assigned to the Xia, particular archaeological sites…
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Taosi, also in southern Shanxi, has been identified as a Xia capital because of the “royal” nature of five large male burials found there that were lavishly provided with grave goods. Although they fall within the region traditionally assigned to the Xia, particular archaeological sites…
Read More