Ancient China: Researchers unearth Emperor Yao's capital city

New research claims to have found the capital of Emperor Yao's kingdom, the first to have been named "China".

Wang Wei and colleagues at the Institute of Archaeology under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said that Taosi, located in Xiangfen County, was the capital during the Yao dynasty almost 4,500 years ago.

The excavation of Taosi began in 1978 and over the years archaeologists have unearthed relics that point to a functioning society, including large tombs, copperware and porcelain. Wang says that this disproves sceptics' theories that Yao was not real.

"The site has the earliest kingdom relics we've found in the middle reaches of the Yellow River. Yao was one of the sage emperors living in the area. We believe Taosi is the empire's capital," he is quoted by China.org as saying.

"Palaces, royal tombs, ceremonial buildings and storage areas, as well as fortifications such as high walls and moats, could indicate a capital settlement.

"Taosi is what some historical materials identify as Pingyang, the capital of the Yao regime. Our studies proved that Emperor Yao is not just a legend, but a true story."

Hu Suping, director of the Publicity Department of Shanxi province, added: "Years of archaeological studies gave the world a close look at the history and also made legends into reality.

"The Chinese culture has a long history, and archaeology gives more people a chance to explore the past for a better look into the future"