In the historical city of Yangquan, situated in North China’s Shanxi Province, archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery. The remains of an ancient well, dating back to the era of the Warring States period (475BC-221BC), have been unearthed, unveiling a trove of historical artifacts and illuminating aspects of China’s architectural advancements from over 2,000 years ago.
The site, which is thought to have been buried prior to the early Western Han (206BC-AD25) dynasty, harbored an array of ancient pottery, ironware, and other artifacts, shedding light on the everyday lives of Chinese people living during that time. Remarkably, three types of pottery—black, grey, and yellow—were among the artifacts recovered from the well, alongside a significantly rusted iron axe, a zeng (an early form of rice steaming utensil), and an assortment of other kitchenware, including a bowl and plates.
Cultural expert Xu Shuming, speaking to the Global Times, commented on the significance of these findings, indicating that these items provided insights into the “life habits of Chinese people living 2,000 years ago.” Such discoveries offer invaluable glimpses into the ordinary lives of people during an extraordinary period of history, enriching our understanding of China’s cultural heritage.
Beyond the tangible artifacts, archaeologists were intrigued by the well’s architectural structure itself, which showcased a unique design technique. This ancient well incorporated distinct areas designated for collecting and storing water, a concept that underlines a high level of thought and ingenuity in water management.
One of the most impressive aspects of the well’s construction was its 38 layers of supporting wood. Each layer was meticulously joined using the mortise and tenon technique, known as sunmao in Chinese. Architectural expert Zhang Er elucidated that this design principle was prevalent in ancient Chinese architecture due to its “stable and material saving” attributes. He emphasized to the Global Times that the find demonstrates that “ancient Chinese people had not only mastered the mortise and tenon technique 2,400 years ago, but also had talent for industrial designs still used today.”
Such discoveries are a testament to the remarkable feats of ancient Chinese culture, underscoring their sophisticated craftsmanship and forward-thinking industrial design techniques. As more layers of China’s past are uncovered, our appreciation of the richness and innovation of its historical society deepens, shedding new light on our shared human story.
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