Lithic Production and Early Urbanism in China A case study of the lithic production at the Neolithic Taosi Site (ca. 2500-1900BCE) cover
Published:15/07/2012Language:EnglishPages:193, Illustrated throughout. With additional material online (appendices).BAR Number: S2384Series: BAR International Series

Lithic Production and Early Urbanism in China

A case study of the lithic production at the Neolithic Taosi Site (ca. 2500–1900BCE)

Written by Shaodong Zhai

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ISBN: 9781407309767
BAR: S2384
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Description

This work investigates the contribution of economic activity to Chinese early urbanization, through a case study of the lithic production at the Neolithic Taosi site in Shanxi, China (c. 2500-1900BCE). The analysis is based on information collected from fieldwork experiments with replicating stone tool manufacture. Lithic production played an important role in the urbanization at Taosi, which developed into the primary political, economic and ceremonial centre in the Linfen Basin. Due to its central position in the region, a high level of social complexity, and its spatial layout with a rammed-earth enclosure, Taosi represents a milestone in the process of early urbanism in ancient China.