| Recently, As one of the main parts of the Chinese ancient culture’s original and development, the study of ancient people’s subsistence type is getting more and more attention from the scholars. the archaeological work of the lower branch region of Yangtze River had been started quite early; therefore, the cultural chronology is quite clear.4000-6000 B.C.E. is the important transforming phase from the mid-Neolithic to late-Neolithic. This article intends to study the evolution, and the regional differences of the people’s livelihood from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in the time region between 4000 to 6000 B.C.E., by systematically carding and analyzing the botany and animal remains and the producing tools, and then, trying to understand the economic and social Within the scope of the space and time.This thesis compromises four parts:1. Introduction and the First Chapter. A general review of the academic history and the chronological framework is outlined while the aim, method and main content of this thesis is presented in Introduction. The First Chapter is divided into two parts, among which one is an overall analysis concerning the natural environment of the lower branch region of Yangtze River; the other is a summary of chronology and attributes of the archaeological cultures discussed here.2. The Second Chapter and the Third Chapter. In order to understand both chronological and regional features of these ancient people, a careful comparison of hunting, fishing, herding and agricultural activities between Kuahuqiao Culture period and Majiabang Culture period is made in the second part of this thesis. Several methods is employed, including quantitative analysis of zooarchaeological material, arhcaobotanical evidence and production tools assemblage; paleodiet research based on analysis of stable isotope data.3. The Forth Chapter is an extension of the former chapter. In a macroscopic view, this chapter explores the interaction of food resource exploitation with environmental and social change Coin 6000-4000 B.C in the lower branch region of Yangtze River.4. Conclusion. The author summarizes the chronological and regional features of these ancient people discussed in this thesis. The significance of this research is pointed out. However, the author also notes that further understanding of the mechanism concerning prehistoric economic change requires more archaeological material and corresponding researches. |
