Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Ancient Settlements in the Salt Lake of Yuncheng City

Abstract. As one of the oldest salt lakes in China, the Hedong Salt Pond has accompanied the Chinese people through thousands of years of civilization accumulation and has an important influence on Chinese civilization. This study explores the spatial and temporal distribution of ancient settlements in Yuncheng City from the Neolithic Age to the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, and evaluates their correlation with the natural environment using geographic information system (GIS) technology. The results show that: (1) the ancient settlements in different historical periods were mainly concentrated in Wenxi County and Jiang County in the northeastern part of Yuncheng City, and the center of gravity was mainly in the junction of Wenxi County, Xia County and Yanhu District. (2) Ancient settlements were mainly concentrated in areas with low elevation, low slope and sunny slope, which were not only suitable for production and life, but also convenient for transportation and salt trade. (3) The Salt Lake had a significant influence on the ancient settlements around it, showing the distribution characteristics of close - far - close again with the change of dynasties.