Environmental archaeology at the Chengtoushan site, Hunan Province, China, and implications for environmental change and the rise and fall of the Yangtze River civilization

摘要: Abstract Fortified settlements had emerged as early 6400–6100 cal yr BP in the middle reaches of Yangtze River during Daxi culture, particularly at Chengtoushan site Hunan Province, China. There were four major stages for development civilization ca. (beginning culture); 5800 cal yr BP 5300 cal yr BP Qujialing culture) and 4500 cal yr BP Shijiahe culture). These periods correspond to times climate deterioration, especially weakened summer monsoon. The decreased rainfall summertime resulting from monsoon would have necessitated a system securing water supply by irrigation, this, turn, may lead rise urban monarchs govern irrigation new social systems. began decline 4200–4000 cal yr BP great abandoned. This event was also considered be consequence severe deterioration that swept through Eurasia 4200–4000 cal yr BP.