Architectural Complex VI of Changle Palace, Han Chang’an City in Xi’an

Abstract

AbstractFrom November 2005 to January 2006, Han Chang’an Archaeological Team of the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences excavated the northern periphery of Architectural Complex VI located in the northwest of Changle Palace site. The primary result was bringing to light a pair of auxiliary compounds on the east and west wings of the main hall of Complex VI. The auxiliary compounds comprised of structures of halls, verandas, rain aprons and open-air courtyards. The hall structures were indicated by raised rammed-earth foundations, rows of stone pillar bases on the perimeter, and a set of semi-subterranean features in the west compound. The floors of the verandas were lined with square bricks, flanked by rows of stone pillar bases with occasional traces of wooden pillars. The rain aprons were paved with pebbles and rectangular bricks. The courtyards featured water systems comprised of wells, saturation pools, pipelines, runoff ditches and drainage. The assemblage of material remains comprised mainly of architectural components of semi-cylindrical tiles, flat tiles, tile-ends, bricks, pipes, well curbs, etc., and a small amount of pottery, iron and bronze artifacts, as well as bronze coins. The chronology of the material remains and their context suggested that the complex was built in the early years of Western Han and continued to be occupied till the Wang Mang Interregnum. Combined with previous archaeological findings and historic documents, complex VI was most likely the front hall of Changle Palace.