2000-year-old ancient calendar based on astronomy discovered in Southwest China
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
Image: Chongqing Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute
Archaeological Discovery in China
Researchers in the Wulong district of Chongqing Municipality in Southwest China have discovered a set of ancient wooden slips dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25), said a report by Global Times.
Image: Chongqing Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute
Mysterious Wooden Slips
The collection, consisting of 23 well-preserved wooden slips known as mudu, provides insight into the celestial knowledge of ancient China. Adorned with characters, they focus on the Tiangan Dizhi, an intricate astronomical calendar system from the Shang dynasty.
Image: Chongqing Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute
Historical Significance
These artifacts are the first of their kind discovered in China, shedding light on the early documentation of celestial knowledge in the region. Archaeologist Wang Meng emphasized their importance as crucial early Chinese documents.
Unique Astronomical Calendar System
The Tiangan Dizhi employed "Ten Heavenly Stems" and "Twelve Earthly Branches" to represent ordinals, dividing the day into twelve two-hour periods. The slips, alongside bamboo slips or jiandu, served as precursors to later forms of Chinese writing.
Tomb's Remarkable Contents
The slips were found in the Guankou No.1 Western Han Tomb, dated to 193BC based on inscriptions. This tomb is recognized as one of the best-preserved wooden-chambered tombs discovered in Southwest China to date.
Image: Chongqing Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute
Connection to Tomb Occupant
Associate researcher Huang Wei noted the exceptional state of the celestial calendar and its potential connection to the tomb's occupant. Sichuan archaeologist Yu Pei'er speculated that the astronomical content may reveal insights into the tomb owner's profession or beliefs.
Image: Chongqing Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute
Rich Archaeological Discoveries
In addition to the wooden slips, over 600 artifacts, including lacquerware, wood and bamboo wares, and bronze items, were excavated from the tomb. Well-preserved ancient accessories such as earrings and lacquer plates add further richness to this significant archaeological finding.
Image: Chongqing Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute