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Shimoyachi Site
37.3975° N, 138.6242° E
About
The Shimoyachi Site is a nationally recognized archaeological site representing a middle Yayoi period settlement located in Kashiwazaki, Niigata, Japan. This site, dating back approximately 2000 years, features unique circular pit dwellings with central hearths and a variety of mounds used for burial and storage purposes. The settlement, surrounded by a drainage ditch, suggests a well-adapted community thriving in marshy lowlands. Excavations revealed a mass-production center for jadeite beads, indicating significant trade networks with regions like Shinano Province. Although no paddy fields were found, the presence of carbonized rice and harvesting tools points to rice cultivation in the area. The site holds substantial archaeological value for understanding the Yayoi period's socio-economic and cultural development.
Historical Timeline
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Middle Yayoi Settlement
100 BCE
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Storage Structures
Defensive Structures
Burial and Funerary Structures
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Food Production and Processing Features
Frequently Asked Questions
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