Spatial and Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Stone Age to Warring States Period Sites in Sichuan Province

Abstract

In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in the study of the spatial and temporal distribution of ancient sites and their influencing factors. As an integral component of the pluralistic unity of Chinese civilization, the ancient Shu civilization exhibits unique cultural characteristics and historical significance, rendering the Sichuan region a critical area for exploring the origins and development of Chinese civilization. However, existing research lacks a comprehensive compilation of archaeological sites across the entirety of Sichuan Province, and analyses of spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and their influencing factors often lack multi-scale and multi-dimensional perspectives. This study systematically compiles site data from Sichuan Province and employs GIS spatial analysis methods to examine the distribution characteristics of sites and their relationship with natural geographical factors from a geographical spatial perspective. The findings reveal that site distribution in Sichuan Province exhibits significant clustering, predominantly concentrated near rivers and in higher elevation areas. Factors such as altitude, slope, and proximity to water significantly influence site distribution. In terms of altitude, the elevation of sites’ distribution generally declined from the Stone Age to the Warring States period, dropping below 1000 m during the Shang to Spring and Autumn periods before rising again. Regarding proximity to water, a substantial proportion of sites across all periods are located within a 1 km buffer zone, with approximately 50% during the Stone Age and Warring States period, and up to 70% during the Shang to Spring and Autumn periods, indicating a preference for areas close to water for settlement and production. In terms of slope, most sites across historical periods are located in areas with slopes below 15°, with the highest number of sites during the Shang to Spring and Autumn periods. The evolution of human–environment relationships demonstrates a trend of site concentration shifting from plateau to basin areas from the Stone Age to the Warring States period, reflecting changes in population movement, economic development patterns, and socio-political structures. The research provides new insights into the evolution of human–environment relationships in the region and offers valuable references for related studies.

Keywords

• sites
• spatial and temporal distribution
• Sichuan Province
• climate change
• GIS