Prehistoric Hong Kong

In the prehistory of Hong Kong, according to archaeological studies and many other resources, human activity in Hong Kong dates back over five millennia.

Palaeolitic

The evidence of Palaeolithic settlement in Hong Kong was found in Wong Tei Tung (黃地峒) near Sham Chung (深涌), beside Three Fathoms Cove of Sai Kung Peninsula. There were 6000 artefacts found a slope in the area and jointly confirmed by the Hong Kong Archaeological Society and Centre for Lingnan Archaeology of Zhongshan University. ^[1] It is believed that the Three Fathom Cove was a river valley during that period and ancient people collected stone tools from the lithic manufacturing site in Wong Tei Tung to the settlement in near Tolo Harbour and Mirs Bay.

Neolithic

Hong Kong is located on the coast of South China. Unlike northern China, the settlers in the people were Che people (輋族). Excavated Neolithic artefacts suggest a difference from northern Chinese Stone-Age cultures, including the Longshan. Excavated sites in Hong Kong were largely located on the western swallow shores of Hong Kong. It is probably purposely to avoid the strong wind from southeast and collects foods from the shores in proximity. Settlement can be found in Cheung Chau, Lantau Island and Lamma Island.

Artefacts

Evidences of using fire were found from Chung Hom Kok on the Hong Kong Island. In late Neolithic, their settlement extends from shores to the hills nearby.

Carvings

Eight stone carvings have been discovered:

• Tung Lung Island
• Kau Sai Chau
• Po Toi Island
• Cheung Chau
• Shek Pik on Lantau Island
• Wong Chuk Hang
• Big Wave Bay on Hong Kong Island
• Lung Ha Wan (龍蝦灣) in Sai Kung

All are believed to date back to the Bronze Age in northern China, approximately Shang Dynasty in China. The cravings are also believed to pacify the bad weather.

Stone circles

Stone circles were found in Fan Lau and other areas in Hong Kong. Its purpose is still unidentified but some suggests it is related to worship.

Bronze Age

The coming of Warring States Period brought the influx of Yuet people from north into the area. They probably avoided the unstabilities at the north and went south. Bronze fishing, combat and ritual tools were excavated on Lantau Island and Lamma Island. Ma Wan was the earliest settlement with direct evidents in Hong Kong. Another one is Lung Kwu Tan. Bronze tools were found on Lantau Island, Cheung Chau, Chek Lap Kok as well. Regular holes on ground were found in Ha Pak Nai. It is believed they are the foundation of grand houses at that period.

Yuet people were competing and assimilating with indigenous Che people. It is believed there were wars between them. Qin Shi Huang of Qin dynasty sent large numbers of army and Qin subjects to Guangdong made the competition harder. Part of Yuet people became Tanka people.

There is still no written documents and artefacts related to Qin rules and early Han dynasty rules. The excavation of Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb of later Han dynasty effective brings Hong Kong out of prehistory.

References

1. ^ 2005 Field Archaeology on Sham Chung Site

See also

• History of Hong Kong

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