## 4 Discussion
### Regional Implications of Ancient Culture lineages in the Middle Yangtze Catchmen  
This study provided an in-depth analysis of the archaeological culture in the middle and lower Yuanjiang River Basin, highlighting its unique characteristics compared to neighboring regions of the middle Yangtze River (Figure 6). By meticulously examining various archaeological sites, artifact assemblages, and cultural practices, the research aimed to shed light on the distinct developments in this basin, shaped by both its geographical features and historical contexts (Table 2). During the Paleolithic era, cultural development was primarily concentrated in the southern regions, especially within the middle and lower reaches of the Lishui and Yuanjiang River Basins, while the northern region centered around Jianghan [55; 58; 59; 60] (Figure 6; Table 2). Early to mid-Paleolithic sites in Xiajiang Area, found along the river terraces of the Hanjiang River Basin, revealed a variety of stone tools, including chopping and pointed implements. In contrast, the late Paleolithic period showcased smaller tools, like scrapers. The tool assemblages from the Yuanjiang River Basin predominantly included chopping and smashing tools, with fewer miniaturized implements emerging later. Despite their geographical proximity, the cultures of the Lishui and Yuanjiang Basins exhibited significant differences and connections, influenced by their unique terrains and external cultural interactions [25; 32] (Figure 6). The low hills of the Lishui River Basin facilitated exchanges with Jianghan, while the mountainous environment of the Yuanjiang River Basin fostered a more isolated cultural development. Figure 6: Regional genealogy of prehistoric cultures in the middle Yangtze catchment (referring to [19; 25; 27; 32; 33; 48]). In the Neolithic era, the cultural landscape of the middle Yangtze region became more self-contained, leading to the development of various local cultures. The Pengetoushan culture in the Liyang Plain evolved into several local cultures, including Chengbeixi, Nammuyuan, and Liulinxi. Other important cultures, such as the Datang and Duiziling cultures along the Xiangjiang River together with the Gaomiao and Songcikou cultures in the Yuanjiang River, enriched this cultural mosaic. The Dongting Lake area emerged as a cultural center, fostering early agriculture and walled settlements, although its limited external communication resulted in cultural isolation (Figure 6). During the Quijaling culture period, cultural exchanges intensified with the integration of the Daxi culture, but the influence of the Liyang Plain diminished, shifting toward the Handong region [25, 32, 40]. Hunan's cultural landscape became increasingly marginalized, particularly with the southward transmission of Erlitou culture. Despite the discovery of Erlitou pottery in Hunan, the region remained peripheral, notably lacking any bronze artifacts from this period. In contrast, during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, significant bronze artifacts comparable to the early Yinxu culture were discovered in Hunan. Notable finds at Tonggu Mountain in Yueyang and the Huangcai site along the Tanhe River in Ningxiang included diverse bronze items, such as the Four Sheep Square Zun and the Man Faced Cauldron, alongside numerous local-style artifacts [27, 33, 48]. The origins of these bronze items were debated, raising questions about their production, i.e., whether they were crafted locally, imported from the Central Plains, or crafted by local artisans using techniques acquired from that region. The social structure of Hunan during this period remains ambiguous, with uncertainties regarding whether it was organized as a state or local group. This period may have marked a cultural shift southward, with the study area serving as a vital cultural conduit between the Yangtze River and the Pearl River basins.