At the 2025 Sanxingdui Forum in Deyang, Sichuan, archaeologists revealed precise dates for the famous sacrificial pits at the Sanxingdui Site. Using advanced radiocarbon analysis, a joint team from the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and Peking University confirmed that Pits Nos. 3, 4, 6, and 8 were buried between 1201 BC and 1012 BC with a 95.4% probability.
This window places the pits squarely in the late Shang Dynasty, offering fresh insights into ritual practices on the Chinese mainland more than 3,000 years ago. The findings not only sharpen our timeline of ancient state rituals but also hint at a sophisticated network of bronze casting and ceremonial exchange.
Why it matters for you:
- Tech & Innovation: Early bronze craftsmanship at Sanxingdui showcases cutting-edge techniques that predate many later civilizations.
- Cultural Impact: Thought leaders can trace the roots of complex societies and ritual symbolism in tomorrow’s policy and sustainability debates.
- Travel & Tourism: New excavation zones and digital reconstructions are making it easier than ever for immersive cultural journeys.
- Global Citizens: Data-driven archaeology bridges past and present, helping us understand how ancient communities shaped the modern world.
Looking ahead, collaborations with digital museums and virtual reality teams aim to bring Sanxingdui’s mysteries to a global audience—no excavation hat required. Stay curious and join the conversation as we unearth more chapters of our shared human story.
Reference(s):
New findings: Exact dating of Sanxingdui sacrificial pits announced
cgtn.com
