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Excavations reveal that the Great Wall of China began centuries earlier than previously thought! Archaeologists have discovered a section dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty, some 300 years older than previously thought, challenging everything previously known about the iconic fortification.
The history of the Great Wall of China has just gained a surprising new chapter. Archaeologists have identified a section of the wall that dates back some 300 years earlier than previously thought. The incredible discovery was made in Changqing District, Jinan, Shandong Province, and calls into question our understanding of the origins of these iconic fortifications.
This newly identified section dates back to the late Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC–771 BC) and the early Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC–476 BC). This means that this wall existed long before the famous Ming Dynasty construction, revealing secrets about the strategy military and organization of ancient China.
The oldest Great Wall of China ever recorded
The earliest sections of the Great Wall of China were thought to have been built during the Warring States Period (475–221 BC), when warring kingdoms erected barriers to protect themselves from invasion. However, the new discovery pushes that date back centuries, indicating that the wall began construction as early as the Zhou Dynasty.
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This discovery changes the timeline of the wall and raises new questions. Could other, even older sections be discovered? And what was the real purpose of these early structures?
The excavation that changed everything
The discovery was no accident. Between May and December 2024, archaeologists from the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology conducted detailed excavations at Guangli Village. They examined approximately 1.100 square meters, in an effort that combined several modern techniques.
The researchers used advanced dating methods, such as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and carbon-14. In addition, soil samples and phytolith studies helped confirm the age of the materials found.
What was found at the scene?
Beyond the wall, archaeologists have discovered traces of ancient dwellings. These semi-subterranean structures, with square bases and rounded corners, indicate that the wall was not just a military barrier, but it was also part of the daily lives of the inhabitants of the time.
This suggests that the Great Wall of China, from its earliest days, was not just a shield against invasions, but an essential element of the social and territorial organization of early Chinese states.
The Great Wall of Qi – The Forerunner of the Walls of China
Long before the construction of the famous Ming Dynasty wall, the Great Wall of Qi already existed. Built by the State of Qi during the Warring States Period, this wall stretches for more than 600 kilometers in Shandong Province.
Unlike later brick fortifications, the Qi Wall was built using rammed earth and local stones. Its main function was to prevent invasions from the State of Chu, one of its greatest rivals. This military structure reveals the strategic intelligence of the time, proving that ancient warfare was highly sophisticated.
The History of Humanity needs to be totalized and disseminated throughout civilization.
I love history, but it's very difficult to read because there's a lot of propaganda, taking away the focus.
Fantastic discovery!!! The hidden story always brings a wow to our imagination!!! I loved it ♡♡♡.