老爷庙, Neolithic ruins at Loess Plateau, China
Lao Ye Miao is a Neolithic settlement on the Loess Plateau with preserved structures of rammed earth and stone. The site encompasses multiple residential areas, storage spaces, and fortified walls that reveal the layout of an early organized community.
The settlement dates to around 2300 BC and ranks among the oldest fortified communities in the region. Its development shows early forms of social hierarchy and coordinated defense against conflicts with neighboring groups.
The place shows traces of wide-ranging connections between distant regions through discovered objects like jade items, bone instruments, and animal hides. These finds suggest a trading network that extended beyond the local community.
The location sits on hilly terrain that is walkable but requires sturdy footwear due to uneven ground. Visitors should allow ample time to explore the different areas and preserved structures throughout the site.
Over 80 skulls were discovered beneath the eastern walls, pointing to ritualized practices during construction. These findings offer insight into social violence and possible sacrificial offerings in the community's daily life.
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