Shima ruins

The Shima ruins, located in Yamagata in northern Japan, represent a significant Kofun period settlement dating from the 4th to 7th centuries CE. The site, uncovered in a low-lying swampy area, features foundations of both flat-type and stilt-type buildings, indicative of the architectural adaptations to the marshy environment. The deep placement of wooden pillars allowed the preservation of the bases, providing insight into the construction techniques of the era. Artifacts such as Haji and Sue ware ceramics, magatama beads, horse fittings, and carbonized rice highlight the daily life and trade activities of the settlement. The Shima ruins have been preserved and partially transformed into an archaeological park, offering valuable insights into the Kofun period's domestic architecture and lifestyle.