The China Lingjiatan Cultural Forum opened in Hanshan county, Ma'anshan city, on Dec 2. More than 60 well-known experts and scholars confirmed Lingjiatan's prominent role in the origin of Chinese civilization and discussed its protection and development in relevant industries.

Dating back to the Neolithic Age, 5,600 - 5,300 years ago, and covering a total area of about 1.6 million square meters, Lingjiatan site is located in Tongzha township of Hanshan county. It is the largest and the best-preserved Neolithic settlement ever discovered along Chaohu Lake.

In a forum report, four distinguished experts presented their research results on Lingjiatan archaeological history, recent progress, and ancient Lingjiatan social differentiation.

"The rise of Lingjiatan was an important part in the process of unifying multiple Chinese civilizations," said Wu Weihong, director of the provincial institute of archaeology.

Song Jian, director of the archaeological research department of Shanghai Museum, expressed his opinion. Social differentiation in ancient Lingjiatan was advanced, both with regards to wealth polarization and occupational differentiation. It can be seen from the goods found in graves that wizards enjoyed high social status.

Zhu Naicheng, archaeological expert from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), thought Lingjiatan culture had a significant impact on the cultural development of surrounding regions.

Shen Changyun, an expert from the Chinese Society of the Historical Period Preceding the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), argued that more attention should be paid to Eastern cultures in research regarding the origins of civilization.

After a one-day discussion, a news conference releasing the achievements of the Lingjiatan Cultural Forum was held on the afternoon of Dec 3.

（anhuinews.com）