A plain that echoes with legends

New discoveries at the Zhouyuan Site in Shaanxi province shed light on key period in early formation of China, Wang Kaihao reports.

The overwhelming popularity of the animated film Ne Zha 2 has piqued public interest in its source material, the 16th-century classic Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods).

If one strips away its mythical veil — an act that in European terms is akin to stripping away the mythology surrounding the Trojan War — it is possible to question the historical reality behind the depiction of King Wu's decision to overthrow the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC). But how did the Zhou leader rise to become the "supreme ruler of all under heaven" depicted in the story?

Recent archaeological studies in Baoji, Shaanxi province, have gradually helped the heroic saga emerge from myth, revealing its true form. From at least the time of the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century-771 BC) and even earlier, clues existed about the way power was incubated during this pivotal period of early Chinese history.

The Zhouyuan Site covers about 33 square kilometers. As its name, which means "plain of Zhou", indicates, this tableland to the south of the Qishan Mountains has long been seen as key to decoding Zhou culture. Archaeological research began here as early as 1942 and large-scale excavations were conducted twice in 1980 and 2000.