Archaeologists Uncover the Secrets of a 2,000-Year-Old Chinese Settlement (3 photos)
In the Chinese city of Shaoxing, in Zhejiang Province, archaeologists have discovered the ruins of an ancient settlement. It may be up to 2,500 years old. The find dates back to the Yue Dynasty, which existed during the Warring States Period, when China was divided into numerous small, frequently warring states. 
This period was between 475 BC and 221 BC, meaning the find is at most 2,475 years old.
During the construction of a massive 430-square-kilometer water treatment plant, workers discovered unusual soil layers.
The Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology intervened. After further exploration of the area, they discovered a coastal settlement.
Today, this site is known as Baicaoyuan. Scientists have discovered that it served as an important trading and maritime hub. 
As Archaeology Only Magazine reports: "Two large wooden structures, covering approximately 1,300 square meters, were discovered." The first was a terraced stilt house, the walls of which were made of wooden posts, straw, and reeds, held together with grass ropes. The second structure consisted of wooden stilts laid in ten parallel rows and topped with horizontal beams and layers of bark."
Dr. Zhou Xiaolong, an expert in wooden structures, emphasized the significance of these finds. He noted, "This structure was not haphazard. The tenon joints demonstrate the precision characteristic of later dynasties. These builders thought in three dimensions." 
Scientists discovered a variety of artifacts: clay tripods, urns, porcelain cups, and bronze drills. But the most unexpected discovery was traces of ritual pig burials. Complete animal skeletons were carefully laid out near the ancient Caoe River. This suggests that pigs were used in religious or cultural ceremonies in ancient China.
Archaeologists and urban planners are currently working on measures to protect the site. This "time capsule" will be preserved for future generations.
