Dozens of ancient stone grenades found in first-of-its-kind discovery of Great Wall of China weapons storehouse
- The stones were filled with gunpowder and thrown at enemies, often exploding upon contact
- Discoveries highlighted fact that gunpowder was essential part of Ming dynasty military strategy
Archaeologists in China unearthed earlier this month dozens of ancient stone grenades in what they believe was a weapons storehouse along the Great Wall of China, the first such facility discovered at the wall.
The discovery of 59 stone grenades was made in the western area of the Badaling section of the Great Wall, which is the most visited section and lies about 80km northwest of downtown Beijing.
It is the first time a weapons storehouse has been discovered along the Great Wall, according to Shang Heng, a Beijing Institute of Archaeology researcher, in an interview with Xinhua.
“These seemingly unremarkable stones have a round hole in the centre for gunpowder fillings. After filling, they can be sealed and thrown, which can not only hit the enemy but also cause an explosion to defeat the enemy,” said Shang.
The grenades, which were inscribed with orders for the guards, are believed to have been weapons for soldiers along the Great Wall during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).
Scientists have found around 400 grenades in previous excavations of the wall, but never before stored in a weapons facility like this recent discovery.
