(Photo : Unsplash / Jéan Béller)
In a groundbreaking revelation, Chinese archaeologists have uncovered the ingenious architectural techniques that enabled a Song dynasty pagoda to withstand the test of time for more than 1,000 years. This ancient structure, located next to the Dongta Temple in the picturesque city of Jiaxing, once stood as a testament to the architectural prowess of its era and had become a significant tourist attraction before its demolition in the 1960s.
Historical Significance and Recent Findings
Built during the Sui dynasty (581-618) and later reconstructed in the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127), the pagoda was renowned for its excellent architectural design and location along the urban water canal. Today, it may seem that the Cultural Revolution won, and the pagoda's very existence disappeared along with it; however, recent archeological findings are still tangible proof of this architectural monument.
In the middle of May, a certain group of archaeologists, who began excavating the site in September of the previous year, provided some details regarding the architectural brilliance that has facilitated the ability of this pagoda to remain standing for such an elongated period. They first got a hint at the possibility of preserving the tower's foundation when what appeared to be the "archaeological remains" were found among the debris of collapsed houses around the area.
Unveiling the Ruins
After searching for it, the archaeologists found the ruins of the Dongta Temple area and discovered, according to local media, a 'miracle of ancient architecture.' Initially, the structure of the pagoda was erected on an essential part of its framework called the 'foundation.' This part includes an attractive example of the Northern Song dynasty's architecture that belonged to Emperor Shenzong's reign in 1067-1085.
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When Wang Meng and other archaeologists attended the announcement of the symposium, they emphasized the importance of the construction of the facility. For instance, such a well-designed structure is a pivotal factor in why the tower has been securely standing for over a thousand years," he said, according to the Global Times.
The core of the pagoda's stability lay in its triple-layered cypress wood frame, a foundation that remarkably maintained its integrity over a millennium. Additionally, the base incorporated 52 large ceramic jars filled with soil, a common stabilization technique of the time, although the exact purpose of this method in the pagoda's foundation remains unclear. A similar, albeit smaller, technique was noted in the Longping Temple in Shanghai.
The base, constructed at the bottom of a large pit braced with layers of wood, was meticulously built using bricks and timber. This design aimed to prevent the tower from collapsing due to the region's soft soil.
Historical Context and Artifacts
Zheng Jiali, the archaeological director of the East Pagoda Temple site, emphasized the skilled craftsmanship of the Song dynasty. "We all know that there were many famous literati in the Song dynasty, but there were also many skilled craftsmen during that time," he told Xinhua.
In addition to the structural discoveries, the excavation unearthed ancient coins from the Northern Song era, further enriching the site's historical context.
Beyond its architectural brilliance, the pagoda was cherished for its panoramic views from its summit, attracting both locals and tourists. The Dongta Temple itself, dating back to the Liang dynasty (502-557), also no longer stands, yet its historical and cultural significance endures in the heart of Jiaxing.
Today, Jiaxing remains a charming city that evokes a romanticized vision of ancient China. Its scenic neighborhoods and rich historical heritage continue to draw visitors worldwide.
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