Archaeometric Analysis of Urbanization and Carbon Emission Efficiency in Ancient Chinese Cities: A Multiscientific Approach

Abstract

This study employs a multiscientific approach to investigate the relationship between urbanization and carbon emission efficiency in ancient Chinese cities, drawing parallels with modern archaeological findings. Utilizing the super-efficient SBM model and semiparametric regression analysis, we examine archaeological and historical data from 30 provinces in China, spanning the period from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. The analysis distinguishes between coastal and inland regions to account for geographical variations in ancient urban development. Our findings reveal that: (1) there is no inverted "U" curve relationship between ancient urbanization and carbon emission efficiency; (2) in coastal regions, urbanization negatively impacts carbon emission efficiency, as evidenced by archaeological remains; (3) population concentration in ancient cities positively affects carbon emission efficiency to a certain extent; (4) an increase in per capita income, as inferred from historical records, inhibits carbon emission efficiency; (5) the rapid development of the tertiary sector, indicated by archaeological findings, also hampers carbon emission efficiency. This study bridges the gap between ancient urban archaeology and modern environmental science, providing policy recommendations for sustainable urban development based on historical precedents.