beacon

Chinese archaeologists have uncovered fortifications surrounding the Shimao ruins – the largest Neolithic Chinese city ever discovered – including two huge beacon towers. The Shimao ruins, located in China's Shaanxi Province, were first discovered in 1976. Until last year, they were believed to be part of a small town, however, archaeologists realised that the ruins were part of a much larger city extending over an area of 4.25 square kilometres. It contained a central area with inner and outer structures and walls surrounding the outer city. Remains of palaces, houses, tombs, sacrificial altars and handicraft workshops are scattered around the site. The discovery of many important remains like the earliest preserved murals, partial jade ware and large quantities of pottery