Exploring the Ancient Walls of Mongolia: A Glimpse into History
Archaeologists excavate part of the medieval wall system in Mongolia
Gideon Shelach-Lavi et al. 2025
Long before the iconic Great Wall of China came into existence, a lesser-known but equally fascinating network of walls spanned the Eurasian steppes. Recent excavations shed light on the purpose and significance of these ancient structures, offering a glimpse into the history of the region.
Unlike the massive stone walls of the Great Wall, these earlier structures were a complex system of trenches, walls, and enclosures stretching over 4000 kilometres across China, Mongolia, and Russia. Constructed between the 10th and 12th centuries by various dynasties, notably the Jin dynasty, these walls served a different purpose than their more famous counterpart.
Research conducted by Gideon Shelach-Lavi and his team at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem focused on a 405-kilometre section of the wall in Mongolia. Excavations at one of the enclosures revealed intriguing details about the construction and function of these ancient barriers.
The structures consisted of a ditch, a wall of compressed earth, and square stone enclosures strategically placed along the route. While the exact purpose of these walls has been a subject of debate, Shelach-Lavi suggests that they were not primarily defensive in nature.
Instead, these walls likely served as a means of control, managing the movement of people, goods, and animals through designated gates at the enclosures. By funneling traffic and showcasing authority, the walls demonstrated the power of the ruling dynasty and facilitated the collection of taxes and resources.
Excavations at the site yielded artifacts that provided insight into the daily life of the people who inhabited these regions. Coins from the Han Chinese Song dynasty, ceramics, and agricultural tools indicated a thriving community engaged in herding, hunting, and farming activities.
Despite the harsh environment of the steppes, the presence of agricultural tools and evidence of year-round settlement challenges traditional assumptions about the lifestyle of ancient pastoralist societies in the region.
Overall, the discovery of these ancient walls in Mongolia offers a unique perspective on the complexities of power, control, and resource management in the Eurasian steppes. By unraveling the mysteries of the past, archaeologists continue to piece together the rich tapestry of history hidden beneath the earth’s surface.
