The Sannai-Maruyama site is a significant archaeological site located in the city of Aomori, Japan. This site is believed to have been inhabited by the Jomon people, who were the earliest known inhabitants of Japan. The site covers an area of approximately 10 hectares and is situated on a hill overlooking the city.
The Sannai-Maruyama site was discovered in 1992 during a construction project, and since then, it has been extensively excavated and studied. The site is believed to have been inhabited from around 3900 BCE to 2900 BCE, making it one of the oldest and most well-preserved Jomon sites in Japan.
The site contains a variety of structures, including pit dwellings, raised-floor buildings, and storage pits. The pit dwellings are circular or oval-shaped and were likely used as living quarters. The raised-floor buildings are rectangular and were probably used for communal activities such as cooking and crafting. The storage pits were used to store food and other materials.
The Sannai-Maruyama site also contains a number of artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, and jewelry. The pottery found at the site is particularly noteworthy, as it is some of the oldest and most elaborate Jomon pottery ever discovered. The pottery is decorated with intricate designs and patterns, and some pieces are quite large, suggesting that they were used for ceremonial purposes.
Visitors to the Sannai-Maruyama site can explore the excavated structures and view the artifacts on display in the on-site museum. The museum contains a wealth of information about the Jomon people and their way of life, as well as interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what life was like at the site.
Overall, the Sannai-Maruyama site is a fascinating glimpse into Japan's ancient past and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in archaeology or Japanese history.
