Abstract
The Medieval Wall System of China and Mongolia is one of the longest wall systems in the world, but its specific chronology, function, and purpose remain ambiguous. Constructed at various points throughout the 10th to 13th centuries CE, this network of walls, forts, and enclosures covers an estimated 4000 km and spans a wide range of ecozones, from the deserts of western China to the steppes of northern Mongolia and the Khingan mountain range. In this article we used historical atlases, topographic maps, and an array of different kinds of data derived from satellite remote sensing, to produce one of the first accurate maps of the Medieval Wall System. Through this large-scale mapping program, we are now able to evaluate previous work that estimates the length of the wall system and different areas of construction. By measuring the structures associated with the wall and the length of the wall itself, we identified at least three different areas of construction along the Medieval Wall System. Future studies may be able to use similar tools to develop more accurate maps of other wall systems throughout Eurasia to further advance the comparative study of ancient wall systems.
Highlights
Many ancient wall systems have been found throughout Eurasia, but there are surprisingly few studies that search for the cross-cultural similarities and differences among them [1,2]
We have identified 525 forts of varying sizes and styles that extend from the northeastern most corner of the MWS to northwestern China and southern Mongolia, Land 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW
While some archaeological research provides a general overview of the location of the MWS, the most important sources for mapping the MWS have been the Soviet maps of Mongolia and China and the Atlas of Chinese Cultural Relics
Summary
Many ancient wall systems have been found throughout Eurasia, but there are surprisingly few studies that search for the cross-cultural similarities and differences among them [1,2]. The general lack of comparative studies may be in part caused by the fact that ancient wall systems are oftentimes immense architectural installations that frequently cross modern political boundaries, rugged topography, and diverse ecosystems, making it difficult for archaeologists to accurately map them, let alone excavate their numerous auxiliary structures. For all of these reasons, archaeological research on long-walls and other types of border markings and fortifications in antiquity is usually based on fragmentary historical records and partial archaeological excavations, limiting the potential for cross-cultural comparison. These new technologies and datasets provide archaeologists with the tools to develop a better understanding of specific wall systems and generate theories regarding the driving forces behind wall constructing behaviors [7,8,9,10]
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