Archaeologists in China have discovered that certain sections of the Great Wall may be around 300 years older than previously estimated, The Independent reported.
Excavations in the Changqing area of Shandong province suggest that parts of the historic structure date back to the late Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC) and the early Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).
This challenges the long-held belief that large-scale construction of the wall began around the 7th century BC and was later unified under the Qin Dynasty in the third century BC.
“The latest research indicates that this is the earliest known Great Wall in China,” said Liu Zheng from the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, as reported by The Independent. The findings confirm that the Great Wall was not constructed in a single phase but evolved over centuries, with various dynasties contributing to its expansion. Some sections were abandoned and later rebuilt.
Originally designed to protect China’s northern borders from nomadic groups, the wall also played a crucial role in regulating trade and transportation.
To determine the age of these sections, archaeologists used a combination of dating methods, including the analysis of ancient artifacts, plant remains, and animal bones.
The excavations uncovered roads, house foundations, trenches, ash pits, and walls, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of ancient Chinese builders.
A well-preserved segment from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) provides valuable insights into the wall’s development over time.
Zhang Su, the lead researcher from the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, told Global Times that the findings underscore the wall’s strategic significance beyond just military defense.
