Coastal Wetland Sites and Coastal Cave Sites: Archaeological and Environmental Investigations around Lake Nakaumi and Lake Shinji areas, West Japan

Abstract

Abstract Lake Nakaumi and Lake Shinji are coastal lakes facing the Japan Sea, located in the estuary areas of the River Hii. From an archaeological point of view, these areas are the zone where human activities have been developed intensively from the prehistoric period. Based on the specific characteristics of the archaeological sites around these areas, two kinds of coastal archaeological sites are distinguished. One is the coastal wetland site, the other the coastal cave site. Both kinds of site were developed facing the coast in each stage of environmental changes, therefore research on these sites plays an important role in reconstructing not only prehistoric human activities but also the palaeo-environment around these areas.