Four Thousand Years Old City Discovered

The ancient city, called Shimao, was home to a pyramid that stood at least 30 feet [230 m] in length and was preserved by a large inside and outside wall. It was found Friday by archaeologists digging in the China area.

Thousands of years ago when it was built, about 2300 B.C.E. to 1800 B.C.E., the city lay some 988 acres [988 ha].

The pyramid was built by a hill of loes, with 11 massive steps as they climb, researchers write in a letter published in the magazine Antiquities.

Beyond the entrance, they found a large open range where rituals and political gatherings could have been held.

Scholars estimate that palaces were built on top of the large pyramid from the ground destroyed with wooden poles and covered plates.