Taosi: An archaeological example of urbanization as a political center in prehistoric China

According to Chinese historical texts such as Zuo Zhuan (770–475 BCE) and Shuo Wen (206 BCE–8 CE), the term cheng for city could mean a town or a capital. The capital had shrines containing the ancestral plaques, but the town had no such shrines. Generally, a prehistoric city may be considered as a political, economic, ceremonial, military and cultural center in a given region. Cities are characterized by a high level of complexity in settlement patterns, social organizations, population components, as well as life styles. I argue that prehistoric cities in the Middle Yellow River functioned primarily as political, ceremonial, and military centers, rather than economic centers, of monarchic states. Therefore, they can be considered as the capitals of monarchic states. This paper investigates the rise and fall of the Neolithic state and its urban center at Taosi (2300–1900 BCE) in southern Shanxi province, China. Taosi was enclosed with a huge rammed-earth enclosure, covering an area over 200 ha. Archaeological excavations in the past three decades have revealed a palace enclosure, elite residential area, royal cemeteries, ceremonial centers, craft production districts, an exclusive storage area, and a commoners' dwelling area. Taosi provides a good example of urbanization as a political center in the Central Plain of prehistoric China. The state was conquered during the Late phase at Taosi. The monumental constructions such as the palace enclosure, palaces, enceinte, and altar were almost razed. The royal tombs were thoroughly destroyed. I consider such violent behavior as political retaliation. From then on, Taosi ceased to be the capital. My discussion in this paper will focus on such aspects as urban structure, cosmological configurations in urban design, and characteristics of the early state's capital.