Medieval Artifacts and Human Remains Unearthed in Mongolian Wall Excavation

Quick Summary

• Researchers excavated a medieval wall in Mongolia that challenges the notion of walls being solely military structures.
• The wall, part of the Mongolian Arc, dates back to the Jin dynasty (12th-13th century) and was previously believed to be for defense.
• Findings include artifacts like pottery, iron tools, animal bones, and an iron plough that indicate permanent settlement with herding, hunting, and agricultural activities.
• Evidence of cultural exchange includes advanced heating systems similar to those in China and Korea for surviving harsh winters.
• A 15th-century burial site was uncovered near the wall containing preserved textiles and metal objects, hinting at its significance centuries after its original use.
• Archaeologists concluded the wall functioned as a checkpoint or territorial marker rather than only military defense.

Image: Grave inside the garrison (Credit: Gideon Shelach-Lavi).

Indian Opinion Analysis

This research holds broader implications by challenging conventional assumptions about ancient frontier walls worldwide-thier purposes were likely more multifaceted than previously thought. for India-a contry with significant ancient frontier structures like forts-similar studies could uncover diverse societal functions beyond military roles such as trade regulation or community interaction zones during ancient times.

Understanding permanent settlements along protective barriers also adds depth to global perspectives on nomadic versus sedentary lifestyles in complex medieval societies. India’s varied archaeological heritage offers ample possibility for comparative studies linking such findings across regions to illuminate connections between infrastructure design and societal evolution.

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