The Research Of Prehistoric Paddy In Jiaodong Region

As an important approach in archaeology, archaeobotany helps us to studies of rice agriculture in pre-histroic Haidai region, especially on the spatial characteristics of rice remains, as well as the evidences on process of rice preparation. The limitations of archaeological researches, however, on sampling and excavating, the studies on origins, cultivation, and spread of rice are still kept unknown for archaeologists. The topics of rice agriculture will not only help us to understand the panorama of rice agriculture in certain region, but also clarify the whole process of the development of rice paddy in ancient societies. Moreover, archaeobotany will unveil the important roles and signification of rice agriculture in the prehistoric societies. Accordingly, the papers are focusing on the three case studies of the rice paddy remains in order to understand the origins, development, and spread of rice agriculture in ancient China.The thesis contains six parts:Chapter one is introduction. It provides the basic information on archaeobotany, topics of this thesis, as well as the phytolith analysis. It also explains my research questions and theoretical perspectives. The human engagement in rice agriculture offers an important way to understand the rice paddy.Chapter two is the environment and archaeological background of this research. It provides an overview of the regional background and cultural history of the sites of Taitou and Zhaojiazhuang up to the Longshan period. Moreover, it introduces the geographical information, climate characters, as well as plants and agricultural systems in modern society.Chapter three is methodology and materials. It highlights the methodology of data analysis on floatation of plant remains. This chapter describes the datasets on phytolith analysis on the sites of Taitou, Zhaojiazhuang, and Guangfulin.Chapter four is results and analysts. It focuses on the quantitative of plant remains and phytolith evidences from those three sites. And I compared the datasets from the Zhaojiazhuang sites and the Taitou sites.Chapter five is the discussion parts. According to a contextual analysis of plants remains, especially related to rice agriculture, it provides some evidence on existences of rice paddies in the Zhaojiazhuang sites and the Taitou sites. Moreover I deal with those plant remains as devices for discussion of the role and significance of rice agriculture in Longshan period. It helps us to understand the Jiaodong region is an important area in Longshan period to the spread of rice agriculture.Chapter six is the conclusion. I conclude with analysis datasets from the sites of Taitou, Zhaojiazhuang, and Guangfulin, which provides a synthesis and implications of rice agriculture for the studies of the Haidai region in Longshan period.