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. 2022 Aug 22;17(8):e0273161.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273161. eCollection 2022.

From rammed earth to stone wall: Chronological insight into the settlement change of the Lower Xiajiadian culture

Affiliations

From rammed earth to stone wall: Chronological insight into the settlement change of the Lower Xiajiadian culture

Xiaojia Tang et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

In this article, we investigate the chronological change of settlements of the Lower Xiajiadian (LXJD) culture in northeast China. On the basis of excavation data, two types of settlements can be identified based on the methods of site construction: earthen (rammed earth/mudbrick) settlements and stone-constructed settlements. After integrating and reanalyzing all published 14C radiocarbon data of different LXJD sites, we argue that there is a clear chronological difference between these two types of settlements. It is revealed by the OxCal model that settlements built with earthen structures are generally earlier than those constructed with stones, and the changes in settlement spatial distribution and constructive material largely happened after 1500 BC. By means of correlation analysis with other related archaeological evidence, we suggest that the underlying social dynamics that contributed to LXJD settlement changes can be explored through multiple prospects.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. A map illustrating the distribution of excavated LXJD sites with radiocarbon dates.
Map was produced in ArcGIS Pro. The digital elevation model was acquired from the Geospatial Data Cloud site, Computer Network Information Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences (http://www.gscloud.cn). 1. Pingdingshan 2. Kangjiatun 3. Xidachuan 4. Xidalizi 5. Xianlingsi 6. Dadianzi 7. Fengxia 8. Redianchang 9. Luoguodi 10. Kalaqinhedong 11. Shuiquan 12. Chengzishan 13. Xiaoyushulinzi 14. Danangou 15. Erdaojingzi 16. Dianjiangtai 17. Location 342 18. Dashanqian 19. Zhizhushan 20. Dongbajia 21. Dongshanzui 22. Xindian 23. Sanzuodian 24. Yantaishan 25. Shangjiyingfangzi 26. Xiliang 27. Kangjiawan 28. Gaojiataizi (Type A) 29. Gaojiataizi (Type B).
Fig 2
Fig 2. Single-phase calibration for the ten published Lower Xiajiadian sites.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Radiocarbon dates for type A and type B locations.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Summary dates and modeled start and end dates for type A and type B sites.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Comparison of pottery tripod vessels from Dadianzi (1–9) and Erlitou (10–17).

References

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