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Japan

Yamamoto Site

Yayoi period moated hilltop settlement

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

The Yamamoto ruins in Murakami, Niigata, Japan, represent a significant archaeological site from the Yayoi period, distinguished as the most northerly moated hilltop settlement discovered from this era. Situated 40 meters above sea level, the site spans about 20,000 square meters and comprises a residential area and a separate burial ground. Key features include the remains of one pit dwelling, a trapezoidal defensive moat, and 17 graves, four of which contained earthenware coffins. Artifacts such as Yayoi and Jomon pottery, a small iron sword, stone tools, and numerous glass beads and bronze tubes highlight the site's cultural significance. Designated a National Historic Site in 2016, the Yamamoto site offers valuable insights into the Yayoi period's social and defensive strategies.

Archaeological Features

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

Defensive Structures

Moats

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Pit Houses

Historical Timeline

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

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Japan
Source
Wikipedia