4 June 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

Grain Barns dating back 6,000 years unearthed in China

Chinese archaeologists have revealed a cluster of 16 ancient granaries that traced back to the mid-late period of the Yangshao culture, a Neolithic culture dating back 5,000 to 7,000 years ago.

The foundations of 16-grain barns have been excavated in the Huangshan ruins in the city of Nanyang, and traced back to the mid-late period of the Yangshao culture, according to the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology.

The discovery was made at the Huangshan ruins in Nanyang, Henan Province, central China, and provides evidence of prosperous trade during the period, as well as key materials for exploring the social conditions and civilization’s evolution during the Yangshao culture.

The 16 granaries’ foundations are round or oval, with an outer diameter of 2.3 meters to 3 meters and an inner diameter of about 2 meters. The granaries comprise of foundations, walls and moisture-proof layers.

Archaeologists have found a cluster of grain barns dating back more than 6,000 years in Central China’s Henan province. Photo: Xinhua

The grain barns were found surrounding the ruins of houses as well as jade and stone workshops, which dated back to the same period, said Ma Juncai, a researcher with the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology.

The grain barns, densely located in proximity, featured similar structures and sizes, and substantial storage capacity, Ma said, adding that they were clearly built to store food.

Archaeologists have already discovered a large amount of millet, and some rice and millet seeds in the Huangshan ruins. “Grass seeds are rarely discovered at the ruins, which indicates that perhaps the site was not a place for agricultural production and the sources of food for locals came from somewhere else or through trade,” Ma said.

The foundations of an ancient granary have been unearthed at the Huangshan ruins in Nanyang city, central China’s Henan Province. Photo: Xinhua
The foundations of an ancient granary have been unearthed at the Huangshan ruins in Nanyang city, central China’s Henan Province. Photo: Xinhua

“Only a small amount of weeds and seeds have been found at the ruins. Perhaps originally, people here did not engage in agricultural production. Their food resources were supplied or traded from elsewhere,” Ma said.

The researcher added, “The discovery of the numerous grain barn foundations in the Huangshan ruins recaptures the glory of prehistoric trade against the backdrop of the growth of the jade industry.”

The excavation area in Huangshan reached 2700 square meters in total.

Cover Photo: Xinhua

Related Articles

A small temple discovered in the ancient city of Selinunte, one of the largest and most important ancient Greek cities in southern Italy

9 August 2024

9 August 2024

Recent excavations in the ancient Magna Graecia city of Selinunte in southwestern Sicily have revealed the presence of a new...

Archaeologists explore Eastern Zhou Dynasty mausoleum in China’s Henan

30 January 2022

30 January 2022

An archaeological survey of a royal mausoleum of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 B.C.-256 B.C.) has been launched in central...

Silk Road archaeological discoveries draw attention despite the pandemic

20 June 2021

20 June 2021

A report prepared by more than 30 global experts believes that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, archaeological discoveries related to the...

An Amazing Discovery in the 1900-year-old Rock Church, – Sand Dollar Fossil

5 March 2024

5 March 2024

Located in the eastern province of Diyarbakır’s Eğil district, the rock church, the walls of which are decorated with different...

Culinary Habits of Ancient Maltese

24 February 2021

24 February 2021

Pottery shards found at the ancient settlement were analyzed for fragments of organic residue and protein. The culinary habits of...

The oldest grave in northern Germany 10,500 years old

14 October 2022

14 October 2022

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest known human remains in northern Germany in a 10,500-year-old cremation grave in Lüchow, Schleswig-Holstein. The...

Uncovering a Rare Enamelled Roman Brooch in Scotland

6 March 2025

6 March 2025

Recent research by GUARD Archaeology highlights a rare enamelled Roman brooch, suggesting its potential use in a “foundation offerings ritual”...

1650-Year-Old Earthen Grills Unearthed in Assos Excavations

14 August 2021

14 August 2021

Excavations continue in Assos Ancient City, a rich settlement of the period, which is located within the borders of Behramkale...

Ancient Arabic temple art depicts early camel hybrids

29 January 2022

29 January 2022

Evidence of early camel hybrids of dromedary and Bactrian camels has been uncovered by archaeologists who were working to restore...

A ‘Talismanic Grave Tablet’ Believed to Protect From Evil Found in Silifke Castle

3 September 2024

3 September 2024

During excavations in the Silifke castle located on lies on a hill in the town with the same name in...

New study reveals unique characteristics and complex origins of late Bronze Age swords discovered in the Balearic Islands

25 November 2024

25 November 2024

A recent study uncovered a wealth of new information regarding the production, material makeup, and cultural significance of Late Bronze...

Excavations in Haldensleben, Germany Reveal A Lost Settlement

9 November 2024

9 November 2024

Excavations at Haldensleben in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt provide important information about a lost settlement. Since May 2024, the...

Advanced imaging techniques reveal secrets of sealed ancient Egyptian animal coffins

21 April 2023

21 April 2023

Researchers from the British Museum have gained valuable insight into the contents of six sealed ancient Egyptian animal coffins using...

2000-year-old passage found after Latrina at Smyrna Theater

28 January 2022

28 January 2022

Archaeologists discovered a 2,000-year-old passage that was 26 meters long and constructed in an “L” form in the theater part...

Rare biblical ‘balsam tree’ found depicted on ancient Jerusalem amethyst seal

21 October 2021

21 October 2021

Archaeologists working in the Old City of Jerusalem have discovered an engraved amethyst seal in the Second Temple, thought to...