Shima ruins
Japan

Shima ruins

Kofun period settlement with stilt buildings

Location

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Historical Context

About

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.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileShima_iseki_park_02_Yamagata.jpg
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Formation of the village

4th century CE

Peak of the village

7th century CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

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Storage Structures

Granaries
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Miscellaneous Features

Caches
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

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Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Japan

Coordinates

38.28° N, 140.32° E