Hie Sites, Archaeological excavation area in Hakata-eku-minami, Japan
The Hie Sites comprise ten raised-floor warehouses with dense pillar foundations arranged in parallel patterns across a large area of land. These buildings were specially constructed to store and protect goods elevated above ground level.
The site shows occupation from the Paleolithic period through the Sengoku period, with the ten storage buildings constructed around the 6th and 7th centuries. This construction belongs to a period of expanding trade activity in northern Kyushu.
The excavated buildings reveal this was an important trading hub where goods from different parts of Japan were managed and distributed to other regions. The artifacts tell the story of people who gathered and moved merchandise through this location.
The site sits on an elevated plateau between two rivers and is roughly a 20-minute walk from the station. The grounds are open to visitors, who can explore the excavated areas, though sturdy footwear is recommended for walking across the terrain.
Archaeologists uncovered two palisade structures that reveal how the settlement was protected and defended. These defensive works suggest the location held enough importance to require fortification beyond mere storage functions.
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