Ancient Marvel Revealed: A Historic Find in Shandong Province
Archaeologists have unearthed what is considered the oldest known segment of the Great Wall of China, extending its historical roots approximately 300 years earlier than previously established. Located in the Changqing District of Jinan, Shandong Province, this remarkable discovery dates back to the late Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE–771 BCE) and the early Spring and Autumn Period (770 BCE–476 BCE), redefining the timeline of this iconic structure.
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Excavation Details and Scope
The excavation, carried out by the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology from May to December 2024, spanned roughly 1,100 square meters in the northern part of Guangli Village.
Reported by Archaeology News, this dig represents the first comprehensive exploration of the Qi Great Wall, following years of preliminary surveys, and offers a rare glimpse into ancient Chinese fortifications.
The Qi Great Wall: A Precursor to Grandeur
Known as the Qi Great Wall, this early structure was constructed by the State of Qi during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), predating the renowned Ming Dynasty wall by over a thousand years.
Stretching more than 600 kilometers across Shandong, it was designed to shield the state from invasions, notably from the rival State of Chu, highlighting its strategic importance in a fragmented ancient China.
Advanced Techniques and Materials
Utilizing a blend of traditional artifact analysis and modern scientific methods—such as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and carbon-14 dating—the research team uncovered evidence of sophisticated engineering.
Built with rammed earth, stone, and other materials, the wall reflects the military ingenuity of the Qi state, showcasing construction prowess well before the Qin Dynasty unified China in 221 BCE.
Discovery of Pingyin City
The excavation also revealed the nearby ancient settlement of Pingyin City, situated about 1.5 kilometers north of the Qi Great Wall. Referenced in historical texts like the Zuo Zhuan and Water Classic Commentary, Pingyin served as a vital Qi State stronghold, protecting key transportation routes and bolstering border security. This find underscores the interconnected defensive network of the time.
This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the Great Wall’s origins but also highlights the advanced capabilities of early Chinese states, long before the wall became a symbol of imperial unity.
