Deciphering Sanxingdui

Bronze objects unearthed at Sanxingdui

　　Nothing is more exciting in archaeological circles than the discovery of a lost civilization that could possibly rewrite history. Sanxingdui, in Guanghan, 40 km from Chengdu in SW China's Sichuan Province , is one such discovery. The excavations from Sanxingdui bring us face to face with ancient civilizations in Sichuan, long lost and only scantily recorded in ancient Chinese literature. Though over seventy years has passed since its discovery, much of Sanxingdui is still shrouded in historical mists.

　　The origin of Sanxingdui

The Gold Scepter found at Sanxingdui	Exotic seashells

　　Given the absence of any written records about Sanxingdui, identifying its origin becomes a very challenging job. The novelties and differences Sanxingdui's objects display as compared to those found in other parts of China have given rise to controversies concerning its origin.

　　One hypothesis that has gained much appeal holds that Sanxingdui was a transplant of Western civilization. Is this really so? Experts have found more evidence to refute that theory than support it.