11 Tang Dynasty Granaries Unearthed in Shaanxi China

作者智能小编

11 月 10, 2024 #封面新闻

Eleven Tang Dynasty Granaries Unearthed in Shaanxi Province

Xi’an,Shaanxi Province, China – Archaeologists in Shaanxi Province have unearthed11 granaries dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), providing valuable insights into the ancient empire’s food storage and distribution system. The discovery was made during an excavation conducted by the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology in 2023, as part of a larger construction project.

The granaries, located near the site of a previously discovered Tang Dynasty granary, were arranged in rows, with their upper sections destroyed over time. The remaining lower sections revealed a consistent design: circular openings, sloping walls, and acylindrical shape with a wider top and narrower bottom. The walls of some granaries showed signs of baking, and the presence of charcoal and white-grey soil indicated the decomposition of wooden planks. The soil within the granaries was relativelypure, yellow-brown, and hard-packed, suggesting a single, thorough backfilling process.

These newly discovered granaries share similarities with the 2012 discovery, indicating they were part of the same complex, known as the Tang Dynasty’s Taicang – the imperial granary. TheTaicang was responsible for storing vast quantities of grain to supply the capital city of Chang’an, which housed a population of over a million.

The Taicang was crucial for the Tang Dynasty, said a spokesperson for the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology. It ensured the stability of the empireby providing a reliable source of food for the capital and its inhabitants.

The Tang Dynasty utilized a sophisticated system of granaries, including the Taicang, as well as other types like the Zhengcang, Zhuan Yun Cang, Jun Cang, Chang Ping Cang, and Yi Cang.Each type served a specific purpose, contributing to the efficient distribution of grain throughout the empire.

This latest discovery sheds light on the Tang Dynasty’s advanced agricultural and logistical capabilities. The well-preserved granaries offer valuable information about ancient construction techniques, food storage practices, and the importance of grain in maintaining social stabilityduring a pivotal period in Chinese history.

Further research is ongoing to fully understand the extent of the Tang Dynasty granary complex and its role in the empire’s food security. The discovery is expected to generate significant interest among historians, archaeologists, and the general public, offering a glimpse into the daily lifeand infrastructure of one of China’s most prosperous and influential dynasties.

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