Is that smoke I smell? It seems to be coming from the direction of Yao’an Terrace No. 2 Enemy Tower. This isn’t just any tower; it’s a piece of the Great Wall’s history. Let’s explore its story.
Yao’an Terrace No. 2 Enemy Tower is part of the Badaling section of the Great Wall. This section has undergone significant archaeological research. Archaeologists excavated about 2,530 square meters. They discovered Ming Dynasty stoves and hearths inside the tower’s lodging.
These findings give us insight into the daily lives of soldiers stationed here. Imagine soldiers cooking meals within these very walls. The aroma of their cooking would fill the air. They were guarding the empire against invaders.
The archaeological project included five enemy towers. These are numbered 141 to 145. It included sections of the wall, access gates, and hidden gates. Shang Heng, the project leader, explained the work. It was a research-based restoration project. The goal was to protect and repair this section of the Great Wall.
The team used a combination of excavation methods. They combined overall excavation with local trench excavation. They completed work on Towers 145, 144, and 143. The remaining areas are still under excavation.
One key discovery helped determine the construction timeline. A stone tablet revealed that Yao’an Terrace No. 2 Enemy Tower was built in 1584. That was during the twelfth year of the Wanli Emperor’s reign. The wall sections between Towers 144 and 143 were built later. It happened in 1597 during the twenty-fifth year of the Wanli Emperor’s reign. The towers were built before the wall. This shows how the Great Wall’s defenses evolved over time.
Archaeologists also found brick drainage structures around the tower. These structures were well-preserved. They are the first of their kind discovered in Beijing. These controlled water runoff to protect the tower’s foundation.
Inside the three towers, archaeologists unearthed stoves and hearths. These provided a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers. They found architectural components. These included tube tiles, flat tiles, and tile ridges. Some are damaged but still show intricate patterns. They depict tiger heads and floral designs. Weapons like arrowheads were found. Daily necessities like plates, bowls, scissors, and awls were also unearthed.
Shang Heng noted that these artifacts might not be flashy. However, they reveal the daily lives of the soldiers who guarded the frontier. The biggest threat to the wall is water damage. Rain erodes the wall. It causes the collapse of sections. Currently, workers are clearing drainage outlets. This helps water flow freely. This is essential for preserving the Great Wall.
Trees and weeds grow along the Great Wall. Their roots cause damage. Each plant needs to be assessed. Those affecting the wall’s structure will be removed. Others will be carefully preserved.
Yao’an Terrace No. 2 Enemy Tower served as a crucial military outpost. It reflects the strategic importance of this section of the Great Wall. It is a testament to the Ming Dynasty’s defensive strategies.
Today, Yao’an Terrace No. 2 Enemy Tower stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the soldiers. They lived and worked here centuries ago. Their daily lives are now revealed through archaeological discoveries. It connects us to their stories. It connects us to the enduring legacy of the Great Wall.