Great Wall of China Discovered 300 Years Older Than Previously Believed

Recent archaeological discoveries in Shandong Province, China, have revealed that a section of the Great Wall is 300 years older than previously believed, dating back to the late Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BCE) and the early Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE). This finding emerges from systematic excavations led by the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, which utilized advanced dating techniques such as carbon-14 dating and optically stimulated luminescence. The research identified three distinct construction phases, with the oldest sections being around 32 feet thick, evolving to nearly 100 feet during the Warring States Period (475-221 BCE). Additionally, archaeologists discovered evidence of subterranean living quarters beneath the wall, indicating a settlement predating its construction. These insights significantly enhance the understanding of the wall's origins and its role in ancient military strategy. Experts emphasize that this discovery marks a milestone in Great Wall archaeology, highlighting its complex history of construction and evolution.