Definition: Dinggong is an archaeological site in Zhouping County of Shandong Province, China, occupied between 4100 and 2600 BC. The earliest component at the site is Dawenkou culture, although its primary occupation is Longshan.
At Dinggong was recovered several ostraca, pottery sherds with incised Chinese characters. The Dinggong ostraca are very early examples of writing, predating the written history of China by about 800 years.
At Dinggong was recovered several ostraca, pottery sherds with incised Chinese characters. The Dinggong ostraca are very early examples of writing, predating the written history of China by about 800 years.
Sources
Yang, Xiaoneng. 2004. Chinese Archaeology in the Twentieth Century: New Perspectives on China's Past. Yale University Press, New Haven.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Alternate Spellings: DingGong
