Ancient Chinese chess pieces discovered in Great Wall

Source:Globaltimes.cn Published: 2014-5-6 18:44:01

Pictured are Chinese chess pieces discovered by workers during a recent renovation of the Great Wall in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province on May 5. The pieces date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Photo: xinhuanet.com


Workers in northern China discovered some 40 ancient chess pieces while renovating a section of the Great Wall dating back to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The artifacts were unearthed in the foundation of watchtower No. 159 in the Banchangyu section, located near the coastal city of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province on May 5. 

The clay pieces are colored black and earthy yellow with clear hand-carved characters on the surface. The pieces were made by soldiers guarding the watchtower, according to the report. 

Hao Sanjin, chairman of Qinhuangdao Great Wall Society, said this was the first discovery of chess pieces at Banchangyu. Previously, chessboards had been found at the site.  


Source: Qinhuangdao Evening News

A man holds a clay chess piece found in the foundation of watchtower No. 159. Photo: xinhuanet.com


 

Workers repair a section of the Great Wall at the Banchangyu scenic spot, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province on May 5. Photo: xinhuanet.com


 



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