Shimao

Shimao is a significant Neolithic archaeological site located in Shenmu County, Shaanxi, China, dating back to approximately 2000 BCE. It is noted for its large-scale walled city structure, featuring both inner and outer stone walls, unusual for the period, which typically utilized rammed earth. The site includes a stepped pyramid with palatial complexes, which suggests a high degree of social organization. Jade artifacts embedded in the walls and ritual sacrifice evidence, including buried human skulls, indicate religious or spiritual practices. Shimao's advanced development in metallurgy, agriculture, and trade with Eurasian Steppe peoples highlights its role as a cultural and technological hub during its time. The site was abandoned around 1700 BCE likely due to climate shifts, marking an important transition in the region’s history.