The fossil remains of “Peking Man” excavated from the cave at Zhoukoudian on the outskirts of Beijing (China) in the late 1920s and early 1930s represent the most significant archaeological discovery of the 20th century. They are the largest collection of early human fossils (Homo erectus) found in China.
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Statue of “Peking Man” at the Zhoukoudian Museum |
All fossils are estimated to be between 250,000 and 500,000 years old, including pieces of skull, five complete skulls, and many other bones from over 40 individuals. Unfortunately, before scientists could conduct thorough research, these remains mysteriously vanished as a consequence of the war, and it cannot be ruled out that dark conspiracies were involved.
After the discovery of the fossil remains, for over a decade, the Longgu Hill area at Zhoukoudian became an archaeological site for an international team of paleontologists. In 1937, the Japanese fascists invaded China, halting the excavations. By 1941, Chinese and American scientists decided to transport the fossil remains to the United States for preservation. The ship carrying the fossils was scheduled to depart on December 8, 1941, from Tianjin, but on December 7, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and the entire American escort crew was taken as prisoners of war.
Since then, a veil of mystery has surrounded the missing fossils. Were they hidden in China, in the United States, or Japan, or did they sink to the ocean floor, lie buried under a garage of some embassy, or in the storeroom of a deceased individual? No one knows.
In 2005, local authorities in Zhoukoudian established a search committee and launched a website to collect information. Archaeologist Zhu Guohong, 70 years old, who has spent nearly his entire life searching for the aforementioned fossil remains, is currently an advisor to the search committee. He stated, “Someone has taken and hidden them well. This is an international issue, not something that local authorities can resolve.” Since the 1970s, Zhu has made several trips to Japan in search of the fossils, believing they are there. However, the Japanese denied this and suggested he look in the United States instead.
Do Chuyen
