Home>News Center>Life
         
 

7000 year-old sacrificial altar found in China
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-01-29 14:45

A sacrificial altar, dating back about 7,000 years, has been discovered in central China's Hunan Province, according to Chinese archaeologists.

The altar is the earliest sacrificial site so far found in China, said He Gang, a researcher with the Hunan Institute of Archaeology.

"Ancients prayed to the gods of nature, such as the gods of the earth, river and heaven," said He at a archaeological forum held by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences recently in Beijing.

Archaeologists have found China's oldest white pottery specimens among the altar relics. The pottery is decorated with phoenix and beast patterns.

"The discovery of the altar is of great importance to research into the origin of religion and ancient civilization," said He.

Located in Anbian Town, Hongjiang City of Hunan Province, the site covers an area of 1,000 square meters. Bones of dozens of animals including deer, pigs, cattle, bears, elephants and rhinoceros have been excavated from the 39 sacrificial pits at the site.

Examination of the teeth of pigs dug up at the site indicated that they had been domesticated, He said, adding that this shows that animal husbandry had emerged at that time.



10,800 brushing teethes together in Filipine
Vivian Hsu on magazine cover
Sao Paulo Fashion Week
  Today's Top News     Top Life News
 

Researcher: pollution limits sunshine in big cities

 

   
 

US urge Japan to halt nuclear fuel plan

 

   
 

Leaders spend New Year's Eve with farmers

 

   
 

At least 60 killed in Poland roof collapse

 

   
 

Names of panda couple for Taiwan unveiled

 

   
 

Iran to use missiles if attacked: Official

 

   
  French animal lovers howl at Chinese dog slaughter
   
  Spring Festival custom: no sneezing on New Year's Day
   
  Barking dog brings about wealth, fortune
   
  Japanese star defends casting in 'Geisha'
   
  The most important trait in a mate is...
   
  Barking dogs bring prosperity for New Year
   
 
  Go to Another Section  
 
 
  Story Tools  
   
  Feature  
  Could China's richest be the tax cheaters?  
Manufacturers, Exporters, Wholesalers - Global trade starts here.
Advertisement