The Great Wall of Mongolia: Scientists Unearth 405 Kilometer Enigma

The Hebrew University Of Jerusalem ^ | February 22, 2024 | Gideon Shelach-Lavi, Amartuvshin Chunag et al

[SunkenCiv]

A recent study sheds light on the Mongolian Arc, a significant wall system extending over 405 kilometers in eastern Mongolia, that had previously remained overlooked. This finding uncovers the importance of this ancient architectural wonder and raises important inquiries regarding the reasons behind its construction, its purpose, and the wider consequences of these massive structures.

Their findings contribute to a larger multidisciplinary project exploring historical wall systems and their socio-political, economic, and environmental impacts, marking a pivotal milestone in understanding ancient civilizations and their enduring legacies...

The "Mongolian Arc," spanning 405 kilometers in eastern Mongolia, comprises an earthen wall, a trench, and 34 accompanying structures. Constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries a.d., this intricate system has emerged as a pivotal yet understudied facet of historical architectural marvels.

The research, conducted through a collaborative effort, involved a comprehensive approach combining remote sensing data collection, archaeological field surveys, and analysis through geographic information systems (GIS). Professors Shelach-Lavi and Amartuvshin’s team also delved into ancient written sources to offer a preliminary interpretation of the design and potential functions of the Mongolian Arc.

"Understanding the significance of the Mongolian Arc unlocks profound insights into medieval wall systems, raising pertinent questions about the motives, functionality, and enduring consequences of such colossal constructions," remarked Prof. Gideon Shelach-Lavi.

[SunkenCiv]

A new study highlights the discovery of the Mongolian Arc, a 405-kilometer wall system in eastern Mongolia, revealing its architectural significance and prompting questions about its construction, purposes, and impacts. This research, part of a larger project examining historical wall systems, offers fresh insights into ancient civilizations and their legacies. Above is a drone photo of Khaltaryn Balgas. ["Unraveling the Mongolian Arc: a Field Survey and Spatial Investigation of a Previously Unexplored Wall System in Eastern Mongolia" by Ying Tung Fung, Angaragdulguun Gantumur, Ido Wachtel, Amartuvshin Chunag, Zhidong Zhang, Or Fenigstein, Dan Golan and Gideon Shelach-Lavi, 27 December 2023, Journal of Field Archaeology.]

Credit: Authors

[SunkenCiv]

The wall section is located between structures 17 and 18. Measurements are typical based on measurements at various locations along the wall. ["Unraveling the Mongolian Arc: a Field Survey and Spatial Investigation of a Previously Unexplored Wall System in Eastern Mongolia" by Ying Tung Fung, Angaragdulguun Gantumur, Ido Wachtel, Amartuvshin Chunag, Zhidong Zhang, Or Fenigstein, Dan Golan and Gideon Shelach-Lavi, 27 December 2023, Journal of Field Archaeology.]

Credit: Authors

[SunkenCiv]

The full source name should have included "via Scitech Daily".

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[Red Badger]

Walls are built for one of two reasons: To keep something out or to keep something in. - Original King Kong movie..........

[Bob434]

I bet they built it knowing that it would some day keep woke Californians and nyers out!

[FlingWingFlyer]

Imagine the money, time and manpower that could have been saved if the Mongolians and Chinese had all the “Walls Don’t Work” jackasses we’ve got now back in those days.

[SunkenCiv]

Sure, but now there’d only be their old slogans to dig up.

[Sequoyah101]

Oh sure, just another screed for a paid vacation. What a COS. The wall was built for defense, no need to study any other purpose if there is a need to study anything but its existence at all. How was it built, when, by whom and how long did it take, was it effective?

"This finding uncovers the importance of this ancient architectural wonder and raises important inquiries regarding the reasons behind its construction, its purpose, and the wider consequences of these massive structures.

Their findings contribute to a larger multidisciplinary project exploring historical wall systems and their socio-political, economic, and environmental impacts, marking a pivotal milestone in understanding ancient civilizations and their enduring legacies..."

Social claptrap.

[SunkenCiv]

Oh sure, just another troll screed from you.

[FlingWingFlyer]

You’re right. LOL.

[logi_cal869]

Ignoring the troll, what’s interesting is that if you overlay this map over a map of the Great Wall, it fills in nicely to a major gap of the Ming Dynasty segment.

Definitely lots of room for scientific study, but I don’t expect much unbiased science coming out of the ccp on matters of a Mongolian ‘great wall’ project...

[SunkenCiv]

Good idea, the MD built or rebuilt or joined up surviving portions of walls of different dates. D’Acona, Polo, other European visitors didn’t notice the wall ruins during their travels.

[SunkenCiv]

• Newly discovered gaps in Great Wall of China create more mysteries about why it was built | Kevin McSpadden | 28 Jan 2024 | South China Morning Post

[logi_cal869]

[Doctor Congo]

Perhaps the trench is a canal for irrigation...

[going hot]

Usually when the terrain is flat, and you wish to make a running wall, the result is a trench to one side of it. That’s how it works in my annual garden plot. :-)

[Texan5]

Thanks for posting this-it would seem logical that this was a defensive wall-if they keep looking, maybe they will find some weapons or the remains of a military encampment nearby-I’m interested to hear if that happens.

I don’t get why anyone trolls posts like these-I suppose some people are just not interested in what went on in the past, or why it did-and a vacation in the wilderness of Eastern Mongolia is not my idea of a leisurely getaway, paid for or not...

[Verginius Rufus]

405 kilometers is about 247 miles. Asia is a big continent so it’s easy to see how they could overlook something so small.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Thanks so much!
PING to a few Buddies!
Exit and rusty!
We’re taking a trip to Mongolia!

[minnesota_bound]

I am thinking it caused by Graboids.
See the Tremors documentary for more information.