Some sections of Great Wall of China in Shandong Province are 300 years older than previously believed, according to recent excavations. Those ancient sections date back to the late Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BC).
Researchers believe that the joining of regional walls to create a single defensive structure against northern invasions occurred much later, in the Qin Dynasty, around the 3rd century BC.
“The layout, location, and infrastructure of the Great Wall of Qin reflect the advanced military planning and strategy of the Qin State to external threats,” project leader Zhang Su said in a statement.
Scholars previously thought that the oldest sections of the wall dated back to the 7th century BC. Recent excavations showed that was an underestimate.
Archaeologists used various techniques, including carbon dating, on a 1,000-square-meter section of the wall to discover that it was three centuries older than suspected. The study also revealed that there were distinct phases during its construction.
Excavations at the Great Wall of China. Photo: Jinan Daily
The oldest parts of the wall are about 10 meters thick and used rudimentary construction techniques. Though parts dated back to the early Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) as expected, some of the foundations were much older — as late as 1046 BC.
Sections built during the later Warring States Period (475 BC-221 BC) are almost three times as wide, spanning 30 meters at some points. These newer parts of the wall are also significantly more sophisticated.
Archaeologists also uncovered two residential structures beneath the early wall sections. These dwellings have square foundations with rounded corners — typical of the Zhou Dynasty.
As research continues, we will learn more about the Great Wall’s evolution from a series of regional fortifications to the 641km structure it became.
