Longshan culture is a catchall term that refers to several regional cultural centers. Other preexisting cultures were, over time, replaced by Longshan culture in areas ranging from the Yellow River basin in northeast China to the Yangzi River basin in southeast China. It was characterized by its unique pottery designs, stamped-earth construction technology, collective and ritual violence, and cosmological divination.
Longshan ceramics varied greatly by region, but had certain distinguishing characteristics that indicated communication and the spread of ideas throughout the area. Wares were created using potter's wheels. Over time, they experienced a transition in color from red to gray, and a gradual decline of painted decorations. The
