Liangzhu Culture

<p>The Liangzhu Culture (3300-2300 BC) represented the peak of prehistoric cultural and social development in the Yangtze Delta. With a wide sphere of influence centred near present-day Hangzhou City Liangzhu City is considered one of the earliest urban centres in prehistoric China. Although it remains a mystery for many in the West Liangzhu is well known in China for its fine jade-crafting industry; its enormous well-structured earthen palatial compound and recently discovered hydraulic system; and its far-flung impact on contemporary and succeeding cultures. The archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City were added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in July 2019.</p><p>Liangzhu Culture contextualises Liangzhu in broad socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and provides new first-hand data to help explain the development and structure of this early urban centre. Among its many insights the volume reveals how elites used jade as a means of acquiring social power and how Liangzhu and its centre stand in comparison to other prehistoric urban centres in the world. </p><p>This book the first of its kind published in the English language will be a useful guide to students at all levels interested in the material culture and social structures of prehistoric China and beyond. </p>