山鹿貝塚, Archaeological mound in Ashiya, Japan
Yamaga Shell Midden is an archaeological site in Ashiya where layers of discarded mollusk shells, fish bones, and pottery fragments accumulate in a mound formation. These deposits built up over centuries as people left behind the remains of their meals and tools.
The site dates back roughly 3,000 years to the Jomon period, when people lived here and relied on fishing from the sea. The accumulated shells and bones document how long and continuously this area was inhabited.
The site reveals how ancient residents relied on fishing and gathering from the sea to survive. The shells and bones scattered throughout tell the story of their daily meals and connection to coastal life.
The site has educational displays and information panels explaining the archaeological finds and their significance. Visitors should expect uneven ground and outdoor conditions typical of an excavation area.
The calcium-rich shell deposits have preserved organic materials like bones and plant fibers exceptionally well for thousands of years. This allows researchers to study the ancient environment and climate conditions with remarkable precision.
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