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Ancient Yangtze Settlement Reveals Early Water Management Systems

12/21/2025

Summary

Story summary

Chinese archaeologists identified the earliest known settlement in the Yangtze River Delta at the Doushan site in Wuxi, dating about 6,000 years.
Excavations began in July 2024 and revealed a network of city walls and moats.
Experts say the structures served water management rather than defense, suggesting water management shaped early cities.
The site was uncovered during a 2023 highway survey, complying with laws requiring archaeological assessments before major projects.

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Story summary

Chinese archaeologists identified the earliest known settlement in the Yangtze River Delta at the Doushan site in Wuxi, dating about 6,000 years.
Excavations began in July 2024 and revealed a network of city walls and moats.
Experts say the structures served water management rather than defense, suggesting water management shaped early cities.
The site was uncovered during a 2023 highway survey, complying with laws requiring archaeological assessments before major projects.