Central China unearths large neolithic site

Archaeologists in central China's Henan province have excavated a large neolithic settlement complete with moats and a cemetery.

The Shanggangyang Site covers an area of 120,000 square meters and sits along a river in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan, dating 5,000 to 6,000 years back to the Yangshao culture, which was widely known for its advanced pottery-making technology.

The site features two defensive moats surrounding three sides. Researchers have found relics of three large houses as well as 39 tombs, the large number suggesting several generations resided there, archaeologist Gao Zanling, a member of the Zhengzhou Administration of Cultural Heritage, said.

"The size and population of the settlement, if compared with others in the same era, was pretty large," Gao told Xinhua.

Excavation of the site has offered a glimpse into the life in the tribe, including the use of pits to store food or bury garbage. Researchers also found a variety of crockery wares, including pots, kettles, cups and other tools.