Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27)
Neolithic (regional)·Neolithic·🇨🇳 Henan, Erlitou, China
About
About Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27)
Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27) at Henan, Erlitou, China is a Neolithic (regional) temple complex of the Neolithic tradition, built c. 200 CE for citadel and associated settlement. Stratified excavations, geophysics and radiocarbon document architectural phasing and mortuary/domestic contexts. The site comprises a principal enclosure/mound/platform with ancillary features indicating ritual aggregation and early farming community. Peer-reviewed plans and heritage protection in place.
Why it mattersOuter Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27) at Henan, Erlitou, China is a Neolithic (regional) temple complex of the Neolithic tradition, built c. 200 CE for
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Landscape function
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Territorial marker
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 200 CE
- Period
- Neolithic (regional)
- Culture
- Neolithic
- Purpose
- Citadel and associated settlement
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 200 CE
Initial construction / first occupation at Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27)
19th–20th century
Excavation and research at Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27)
On the ground
Structures & features
34.8008° N · 112.6316° E · 141 m · 4 mapped features
- Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27) Main Temple-Complex Featuretemple complexPrimary temple-complex feature at Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27) – central citadel and associated settlement element with stratified deposits34.8009° N · 112.6317° E
- Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27) Secondary EnclosureenclosureAncillary enclosure/wall line at Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27) defining settlement or ritual space34.8008° N · 112.6317° E
- Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27) Outlier Rock Art Panelrock artOutlier cup-mark/petroglyph panel linked to Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27) ceremonial landscape34.8010° N · 112.6316° E
- Outer Henan Citadel A — Henan, Erlitou (54-27) Reservoir CisternhydraulicRock-cut cistern/reservoir for water management34.8007° N · 112.6315° E