Archaeologists have discovered 10 sites of ancient civilisation in the Badain Jaran desert, China's third largest desert.
An archaeological team composed of 11 experts from Inner Mongolia, Beijing and Sichuan have unearthed large quantities of stone and pottery handicrafts dating back 5,000 years from the sites, which, the experts believe, indicate civilisation once flourished in the desert.
Experts say one of the findings was a black-red painted pottery jar, which represents Neolithic art that dates back 4,500 years, reported Xinhua.
It was unearthed from a site where archaeologists have discovered civilisation ruins in an area of 15,000 square metres. The experts said stone wares made of flint and agate were found in all 10 sites.
The Badain Jaran desert is spread over 47,000 square km and sparsely populated. It is famous for having the tallest stationary sand dunes in the world. Some dunes reach a height of 500 metres. But it also features spring-fed lakes that lie between the dunes.
Archaeologists said all the relic sites are near such lakes.
Source: New Kerala [October 18, 2011]
 |
| The Badain Jaran Desert in North China [Credit: CRIENGLISH] |
Experts say one of the findings was a black-red painted pottery jar, which represents Neolithic art that dates back 4,500 years, reported Xinhua.
 |
| Some 800 rock engravings have been discovered in the southeastern part of the desert alone [Credit: CRIENGLISH] |
The Badain Jaran desert is spread over 47,000 square km and sparsely populated. It is famous for having the tallest stationary sand dunes in the world. Some dunes reach a height of 500 metres. But it also features spring-fed lakes that lie between the dunes.
Archaeologists said all the relic sites are near such lakes.
Source: New Kerala [October 18, 2011]
