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China

Xianren Cave

Ancient cave with early pottery shards

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

About

Xianren Cave, located in Jiangxi province, China, is a significant archaeological site known for its discovery of the world's earliest known pottery. Dated to between 20,000 and 19,000 years ago through radiocarbon analysis of surrounding sediments, these pottery shards bear scorch marks that suggest they were used for cooking by mobile foragers during the Upper Paleolithic period, specifically at the end of the Last Glacial Period. This predates the advent of agriculture by several millennia, highlighting the technological innovations of prehistoric humans in adapting to their environment. The site also includes the Diaotonghuan rock shelter nearby, adding to its archaeological richness. These findings provide critical insights into the early development of ceramic technology and human subsistence strategies before the Neolithic revolution.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Xianren Cave

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Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock Shelters

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
China
Source
Wikipedia