WANG Minghui....................................................79 

A preliminary analysis of human remains from the Yanshi Shang City site 

Abstract：Analysis of human remains unearthed from the Yanshi Shang City site reveals no significant disparity in mortality rates between males and females. The average age at the time of death stands at 30.1 years, with middle-aged individuals experiencing the highest mortality rates. Morphological examination indicates that the prevailing physical traits of the ancient Yanshi Shang City site population align with the“ancient Central Plains type,”potentially representing indigenous inhabitants of the Central Plains during the pre-Qin and Han Dynasties. However, it cannot be definitively ruled out that some migration or genetic mixing occurred during the early Shang Dynasty. In terms of stature, the average height for males in the Yanshi Shang City site measures 166.63 cm, while for females, it is 159.76 cm. An analysis of skeletal health uncovers a notable prevalence of oral diseases among the ancient population, encompassing specific infections, non-specific infections, immune system disorders, and reproductive system ailments. Furthermore, the population exhibits a common practice of kneeling and may show evidence of occasional artificial cranial deformation.

HE Yuling and XU Hongyin.................................88 

On the settlement pattern of the Huanbei Shang City site and Yinxu 

Abstract：The Huanbei Shang City stie and Yinxu hold significant historical importance in the development of the Shang Dynasty ��s capitals. The settlements surrounding these cities not only constitute a crucial component of the capital but also reflect its evolving characteristics over time. This article explores the structural composition and distribution features of settlements during the Middle and Late Shang Dynasties within the Huan River Basin. It delves into various aspects such as settlement form, function, grade, and nature. By examining newly unearthed materials from recent years, this research reveals that the settlements in Huanbei and Yinxu exhibit a distinct three-level hierarchies. Nevertheless, the capital remains at its core, presenting a more intricate and multifaceted layout than the previously perceived notion of a singular large area surrounded by smaller ones. With the shift of the center from the north to the south of the Huan River, secondary settlements transformed into hubs for handicraft production within the city. Furthermore, bottom-level settlements saw a continuous increase in number, extending their presence on both sides of the Huan River. Together, they established the foundational framework of what we now refer to as“The Great Settlement Shang.”

YUE Hongbin et al.  ................................................98 

New insights into the layout of the Palace and Ritual Temple Area at Xiaotun, Yinxu site 

Abstract：The Xiaotun Palace and Ancestral Temple Area at Anyang, shortened as the“Gongmiao area”in this article, along with the Houjiazhuang Royal Cemetery, constitute the two pivotal components within Yinxu. Over the course of more than two decades of systematic archaeological exploration and excavation, significant breakthroughs have been achieved. Within the Gongmiao area, the discovery of the lake remains, previously unexplored sections on the South Island and the North Island, the rammed earth wall on the northern side of the Group A foundation site, and a portion of the“Huang Group inscriptions,”as well as numerous unexcavated rammed earth building foundations, has provided fresh insights into the extent and arrangement of the Xiaotun Gongmiao area. This, in turn, enhances our understanding of its relationship with the royal cemetery.

LI Zhipeng et al.  .....................................................  108 

On the consumption of animals at the Late-Shang-Dynasty capital 

Abstract：The Xiaomintun Site in Anyang, Henan Province is an component of the Yinxu(Yin Ruins) Site. A large number of animal remains have also been discovered at the site. This article conducts a preliminary analysis of the animal remains unearthed at the site, revealing an overview of animal remains during of the Late Shang time period unearthed at excavated from the site. It explores the consumption and utilization of animals by different groups of people in different periods at the Xiaomintun site, and provides a case study on the consumption or utilization of animal resources such as meat consumption among the urban population in the late Shang capital, which also reflects to some extent the issues of animal husbandry and the supply of animal resources in the capital city during the late Shang time period.

HAN Guohe and CHENG Weijia...........................116 

On the Ba Mausoleum and its related questions 

Abstract：Regarding the imperial mausoleum of the Western Han Dynasty, the academic circles have had in-depth discussions on their layout, shape, scale and even the mausoleum system. In the history, the funeral regulations of Emperor Wen showed two particularities that were obviously different from those of other emperors in the Western Han Dynasty. One is the absence of large burial mound, and the other is simplified funeral practice. In addition, there are still doubts about the resettlement related to the Ba Mausoleum settlement and the location of Gucheng Temple. This paper summarizes and analyzes relevant historical documents and archaeological data, and re-investigates the existing problems.

WANG Xianqiu..........................................................123 

On the essential component elements and layout of the Eastern-Han mausoleums 

Abstract：The Eastern Han Dynasty cemetery comprises a variety of key elements, including earth mounds, subterranean palaces, religious structures, stone halls, bell towers, garden precincts, temple complexes, wall fortifications, gates, and accompanying tombs. The layout can be categorized into two main categories: the early model characteristic by the Zhucang Cemetery, and the mature model. The mature model can be further delineated into adult imperial mausoleums, standard premature-death Mausoleum mode, and simplified mode. The cemetery is further subdivided into distinct functional zones, including the inner cemetery, residential gardens, administrative areas, and burial sections. Notably, elements from Western Han Dynasty imperial mausoleums, such as dual cemeteries, mausoleum temples, palace residences, garden temples, and official residences continued to influence Eastern Han Dynasty cemeteries. However, a significant architectural shift occurred due to the interment of emperors and empresses in the same tomb.

SONG Yuanru...........................................................132 

On the glazed pottery figurines of the Han Dynasty 

Abstract：This study delves into a distinct category of miniature glazed pottery figurines discovered within tombs and archaeological sites spanning from the Late Western Han Dynasty to the Wangmang period in Xi'an and its surrounding regions. These figurines exhibit diverse forms, exquisite craftsmanship, and diminutive size, imbuing them with significant ornamental and practical value. Through a comprehensive analysis of available archaeological findings, encompassing tomb structures, concurrently unearthed artifacts, and relevant literature, this paper aims to shed light on the plausibility of classifying these glazed pottery figurines as toys. The argument put forth contends that these figurines served as children's toys during the Han Dynasty, constituting a pivotal facet of the era's playthings.

FAN Zilong...............................................................140 

On the labor scale in the construction of the three Bingyang Caves at the Longmen Grottoes

Abstract：This study conducts a comprehensive examination by comparing the level of labor scale expended across the three phases of development in the three Bingyang Caves within the Longmen Grottoes. By taking into account the process, administrative oversight, and the individuals responsible for overseeing the project, we posit that the figure of 802，366 labor units documented in the“Wei Documents”provides a more precise and dependable representation of the effort expended than the previously cited 182,000 labor units from the “Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government”.