Human activity destroyed Loulan, researcher says

(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-01-26 09:32

Excessive population growth and human destruction, not climate, were the main reasons the ancient city of Loulan was destroyed, a top researcher has concluded.

Yang Lian, an archaeologist and researcher of China Academy of Social Sciences, reached his conclusion after a long investigation.

Loulan, one of the world's most prosperous places and an important trade hub on the Silk Road about 2,000 years ago, mysteriously disappeared about 500 years ago.

Its sudden disappearance still puzzles many scholars, some of whom say environmental changes caused by desertification are what buried the city.

(China News Service)



Top China News  

· China's GDP grows 10.7% in 2006, fastest in 11 years

· Premier Wen to visit Japan in April

· Poll: Majority of Japanese agree to reflect on past

· Divorce rate half of what we thought

· Hu urges better management of the Internet
Today's Top News  

· China's GDP grows 10.7% in 2006, fastest in 11 years

· Premier Wen to visit Japan in April

· Divorce rate half of what we thought

· PetroChina branch fined for pollution

· Young officials spotlight in succession
Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours