Archaeologists in China have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds new light on the early history of the country. They have unearthed the remains of a 4,000-year-old palace complex in Xinmi, Henan Province.

The palace, dating back to the Xia Dynasty, is a significant find as it provides concrete evidence of the existence of this ancient ruling house. The Xia Dynasty, often considered semi-mythical, is believed to have been the first dynasty to establish dynastic succession in China.

The newly discovered palace complex is part of a larger settlement known as Guchengzhai. The site is believed to have been constructed during the Xia dynasty and offers valuable insights into the architecture and urban planning of this ancient period.

The palace itself is a four-courtyard structure, measuring approximately 200 feet long and 100 feet wide. It was built using rammed-earth construction techniques, which were common in ancient China.

This discovery is not isolated. Another similar palace complex was recently found in Zhoukou, Henan Province. These finds challenge previous assumptions about the layout and architecture of ancient Chinese cities and provide crucial evidence for studying the origin and development of palace buildings during the Xia Dynasty.

The discovery of these palace complexes also sheds light on the economic and social development of the Xia Dynasty. The presence of grain storage facilities suggests that the region was agriculturally productive and that the palace played a role in managing the distribution of food resources.

These archaeological discoveries are a significant milestone in our understanding of ancient China. They provide concrete evidence of the existence of the Xia Dynasty and offer new insights into the culture, society, and architecture of this early period in Chinese history.