In a groundbreaking discovery this month, archaeologists uncovered dozens of ancient stone grenades believed to be housed in a weapon storehouse along the iconic Great Wall of China. Located in the frequently visited Badaling section, about 80km northwest of Beijing’s central city, the discovery offers a window into the military strategies and daily lives of those who once inhabited and protected the Great Wall.
Shang Heng, a respected researcher from the Beijing Institute of Archaeology, expressed his amazement during an interaction with Xinhua. He described the 59 stone grenades found as being uniquely designed with a central round hole intended for gunpowder. Once filled and sealed, these grenades could be hurled at invaders. Their design allowed them to not just impact upon collision but also explode, making them a dual-purpose weapon against adversaries.
The markings on these ancient weapons provided instructions for the guards. Historical experts believe these grenades played a vital role in the defense strategies during the Ming dynasty, which spanned from 1368 to 1644. While around 400 such grenades have been identified in prior excavations, this was the first instance where they were found inside what appears to be a designated weapons facility. This storage gives a clearer understanding of the Ming-era tactics and preparations for safeguarding the Great Wall.
Ma Lüwei, an expert in Chinese military history, weighed in on the significance of the grenades, emphasizing their importance in warding off enemy onslaughts. He detailed that these explosives were typically kept in medium-sized hollowed-out stones, making them readily accessible to guards during emergencies. These grenades were particularly favored by the renowned Ming dynasty military general, Qi Jiguang, known for his pivotal role in shaping China’s military strategies and weaponry.
Adding to the discourse, Tonio Andrade, a professor specializing in Chinese and Global History at Emory University, highlighted that the Ming dynasty was notably the most equipped with gunpowder weaponry during its reign, globally.
Furthermore, the excavation team unearthed a stone fort believed to have facilitated the firing of support cannons for self-defense. Such a fort had not previously been identified in the Badaling segment. Alongside military discoveries, remnants of daily life, such as fire pits, cookware, tools, and other everyday artifacts, painted a vivid picture of the vibrant culture and community that thrived within the Great Wall’s vicinity.
The Badaling section, recognized for its architectural intricacy, underwent 110 excavations between 2000 and 2022. One of the most significant projects, conducted in 2021, offered unparalleled insights into the construction methodologies of the wall.
Comprising approximately 21,000 km of interconnected walls with segments tracing back 2,000 years, the Great Wall of China isn’t a singular, continuous structure but rather consists of significant spaces between its sections.
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