“How did they move that?” I bet that is the question popping into your head as you gaze upon the \u5cf0\u604b\u77f3. This impressive rock tells a tale of ancient ingenuity.
The \u5cf0\u604b\u77f3, like other large stones in Beijing’s historical sites, prompts a fascinating question. How did ancient Chinese workers manage to move such massive objects? Researchers at Princeton University and in Beijing have investigated the transport of similar large stones.
Their research focused on the Large Stone Carving in the Forbidden City. This carving, an iconic marble slab, weighed approximately 300 tons. After being re-hewn in 1761, its weight was reduced to about 200 tons.
The common story is that 20,000 men hauled the stone from a quarry 70 kilometers away. They supposedly dug wells every half kilometer to create an ice path. But Professor Howard Stone and his colleagues found some errors in this story.
Their engineering calculations revealed that a team of about 100 people could have moved the stone. They believe the ancient Chinese used a wooden sledge sliding on an ice path. Water would have been used as a lubricant.
The team studied historical records. One 500-year-old document mentioned a 123-ton stone transported in 1557. This document helped them with their calculations. They learned that sledges were safer and more reliable than wheeled vehicles for very heavy stones.
The researchers determined that rolling the stone on logs would have been impractical. The uneven path and winter conditions favored sliding on ice. They calculated a transportation speed of about 8 centimeters per second.
This slow speed meant friction wouldn’t melt the ice. Therefore, workers likely poured water on the ice to lubricate the surface. This lubrication significantly reduced the number of people needed. Without lubrication, 338 people would have been required. With lubrication, only 46 people were needed for a 123-ton stone.
Professor Li emphasized the technical sophistication of the ancient Chinese. They understood the properties of ice and used them effectively. This knowledge allowed them to move incredibly heavy stones.
So, as you admire the \u5cf0\u604b\u77f3, remember the ingenuity and effort behind its placement. It is a testament to the skill and knowledge of ancient Chinese engineers. Their methods allowed them to create the magnificent structures we see today in Beijing.