Archaeologists have uncovered what is now considered the oldest known section of the Great Wall of China—one of the most iconic structures on earth—dating back nearly 300 years earlier than previously estimated. This segment originates from the time of the late Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC–771 BC) or the early Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC–476 BC), or around the eighth century BC. The discovery was made in Changqing District, Jinan, Shandong Province, and sheds new light on the origins of China’s world-famous fortifications.
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Excavations at the Qi Great Wall Produces Revelations
Between May and December 2024, the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology conducted an extensive excavation, covering approximately 1,100 sq m in the northern area of Guangli Village. This marked the first proactive excavation of the Qi Great Wall following years of preliminary investigations. The research team utilized a multidisciplinary approach, employing traditional artifact analysis, soil sampling, plant silica (phytolith) studies, and advanced dating methods such as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), along with traditional carbon-14 dating. These comprehensive methods ensured accurate dating and a deeper understanding of the wall’s construction process.
The research team’s use of cutting-edge techniques allowed them to piece together the construction timeline with greater precision. By integrating historical texts with physical evidence, archaeologists determined that the section known as the Qi Great Wall was built in multiple stages. This challenges previous assumptions and demonstrates a more complex construction history than previously understood.
The Qi Great Wall, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the earliest and longest known segment of China’s ancient system of fortifications. It stretches around 400 miles (641 km) across Shandong, from Changqing in the west to Qingdao on the eastern coast. This structure played a crucial role in the military defense strategy of the Qi State during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty which lasted from 770 to 256 BC. Its construction was primarily meant to defend against external threats, particularly from rival states and nomadic groups.
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Aerial Photograph of the Great Wall of China. (Tom Fisk/Pexels)
The wall’s importance extended beyond military defense, however. Historical records suggest that it also played a role in defining territorial boundaries and served as a symbol of the Qi State’s strength. The discovery of such an early section provides valuable insight into the geopolitical landscape of ancient China, with its complex mixture of powerful factions vying for land and influence.
Phases of Great Wall Construction
The latest discoveries confirm that the sections that comprise the Great Wall were built in phases. The oldest walls, likely dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period, measured approximately 33 feet (10 m) in width, with their foundations potentially tracing back to the very late Western Zhou Dynasty. During the Warring States Period (475–221 BC), the walls were reinforced, reaching widths exceeding 30 meters (98.42 ft). The most structurally advanced phase, launched under King Xuan of the Qi state (c. 350–301 BC), remains well-preserved and was constructed using fine yellow earth compacted with metal rammers.
Portrait of King Xuan of Zhou. (Public Domain)
The discovery of these varying construction techniques indicates significant advancements in engineering over time. Early sections relied on rudimentary materials, whereas later phases incorporated more sophisticated methods to enhance durability. This gradual evolution reflects the growing military and political power of the Qi State during its peak, as well as concerns over security that escalated as the centuries advanced.
Evidence of Ancient Settlements
Excavations revealed remnants of unique residential structures beneath the early walls in the northern section. These semi-underground dwellings feature square foundations with rounded corners, suggesting that local inhabitants lived in the area before the fortifications were built, although how long before it not yet known.
Artifacts discovered within these dwellings include pieces of ceramic pottery, tools, and remnants of stored food, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived in this part of China long ago, possibly in the second millennium BC. The presence of these artifacts imply that the wall in its early stages was meant to protect a particular established community from external threats.
Just a mile (1.5 kilometers) north of the Qi Great Wall, archaeologists identified the remains of an ancient settlement known as Pingyin City. Historical texts such reference Pingyin as a vital military stronghold of the Qi State, one that played a strategic role in protecting transportation routes and securing borders.
Archaeological evidence here confirms the presence of a western city wall extending at least 1600 feet (500 m), along with defensive trenches and fortified gates consistent with ancient records. The discovery of this ancient city enhances understanding of how the Qi Great Wall functioned as a defensive structure, but also as part of a larger network of fortifications designed to maintain stability in the region.
A Brief History of the Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is one of the most extensive construction projects in history. Originally consisting of multiple parallel walls, it spans northern China and parts of southern Mongolia. The most well-preserved section, dating to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), spans a remarkable 5,500 miles (8,850 km) from Mount Hu in Liaoning Province to Jiayu Pass in Gansu Province.
Early fortifications were built as independent defense systems by various Chinese states as early as the seventh or eighth centuries BC. In the third century BC, Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of unified China, connected existing walls into a single defensive network, designed to offer total protection from ground invasions. Recent investigations have revealed previously unknown sections of the wall, including the one now identified as the oldest-ever in the lands of the ancient Qi state, extending its total length beyond earlier estimates.
Photograph of the remnants of the Great Wall of Qi in the Da Feng Shan (Big Peak Mountain) in Shandong Province, China. (Rolfmueller/CC BY-SA 3.0)
The recent excavation provides vital insights into the origins, construction techniques, and functions of the Qi Great Wall. Prior research conducted between 2008 and 2010 focused on mapping the wall’s distribution and assessing its preservation status. Additional studies in 2022 identified underground remnants of missing sections. The latest excavation represents the first systematic archaeological study of the site, and highlights the goals and architectural designs of the earliest phases of Great Wall construction.
These discoveries highlight the need for continued archaeological research along the length of the wall, which still has secrets to reveal. The newfound understanding of the Qi Great Wall’s construction and purpose contributes to broader knowledge about the development of early Chinese civilization and raises the possibility that even earlier sections might be discovered eventually.
Top image: The Great Wall of China. Source: carlusgg/Adobe Stock
By Nathan Falde
