Archaeologists discover oldest section of China’s Great Wall, dating back nearly 3,000 years

Archaeologists have discovered what is believed to be the oldest known section of the Great Wall of China, stretching its origins back some 300 years earlier than previously thought. The remarkable find, located in Changqing District, Jinan, Shandong Province, dates to the late Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE–771 BCE) and the early Spring and Autumn Period (770 BCE–476 BCE).

According to 'Archaeology News', the excavation, conducted by the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology between May and December 2024, covered around 1,100 square metres in the northern part of Guangli Village. This marks the first full-scale dig of the Qi Great Wall after years of prior surveys.

The Qi Great Wall, a precursor to the famous Ming Dynasty wall, was built by the State of Qi during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE). Predating the Ming Wall by more than a millennium, it spans over 600 kilometres across Shandong and was constructed to protect the state from invasions, particularly from the State of Chu.

The research team, using a mix of traditional artefact analysis and cutting-edge methods like optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and carbon-14 dating, uncovered evidence of advanced engineering techniques. Constructed from rammed earth, stone, and other materials, the wall showcases the military ingenuity of the Qi state long before China’s unification under the Qin Dynasty.

The team also identified the ancient settlement of Pingyin City, located about 1.5 kilometres north of the Qi Great Wall. Historical texts, such as the 'Zuo Zhuan and Water Classic Commentary', describe Pingyin as a crucial stronghold of the Qi State. The city played a key role in safeguarding transportation routes and ensuring border security.