The majestic Forbidden City in Beijing astonishes its visitors with its colorful roofs and intricate wood carvings, along with its tall walls of red brick. However, beyond its impressive appearance, traditional Chinese architecture is distinguished by the predominant use of earth as the main building material and the application of various earth construction technologies.

Since prehistoric times, Chinese earth architecture, such as underground houses and houses with earth walls mixed with organic materials and wooden framework, has evolved from early forms to mature forms.

During the late Neolithic period, significant architectural developments occurred, especially in the construction of large earth monuments with new and sophisticated technologies.

Landform and location of Liangzhu City and two other sites (Xiaodouli and Dazemiao) mentioned in the study
Landform and location of Liangzhu City and two other sites (Xiaodouli and Dazemiao) mentioned in the study. Credit: Y. Zhuang et al.

Recent archaeological excavations in China have revealed that the construction of Liangzhu City, declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and its surroundings was a massive undertaking that required an unprecedented level of architectural innovations, intelligent logistical planning, and sophisticated labor organization.

Among these advances, the technique of “grass-wrapped clay blocks” stands out, which was essential for consolidating wet and slippery areas, allowing builders to transform low-lying lands into habitable areas.

Researchers estimate that each of these grass-wrapped clay blocks, stacked to build palaces, terrace protections, dams, and other earth structures, took only about 5 minutes to prepare by 2-4 workers.

Plan and structure of the Mojiaoshan platform and associated archaeological features
Plan and structure of the Mojiaoshan platform and associated archaeological features. Credit: Y. Zhuang et al.

Considering excavation and other tasks, a small group of 3-4 workers would have been the most efficient arrangement in preparing grass-wrapped clay blocks.

Our results also show that standard-sized clay blocks had an optimal grass-to-earth ratio, increasing the effectiveness of drainage in structures built with clay blocks and their resistance to weathering in wet conditions, the researchers indicate.

Clay block structures and stone beds were mostly built by smaller groups, who were responsible for preparation, transportation, and construction tasks. The mobilization and division of labor during these construction activities may not have followed the classic top-down process.

Grass-wrapped clay block structures, interlocking (A) and running (B), reproduced for civil engineering testing
Grass-wrapped clay block structures, interlocking (A) and running (B), reproduced for civil engineering testing. Credit: Y. Zhuang et al.

It is estimated that the construction of Liangzhu City would have required the work of thousands of people over several years. The adoption of the grass-wrapped clay block technique, despite being more labor-intensive than other techniques, was considered beneficial for its engineering properties and logistical convenience.

Technological advancements and innovative labor strategies were crucial for the transformation of the landscape and the emergence of urbanization in the Yangtze Delta during the late Neolithic period.

The researchers conclude that the need to apply different architectural technologies, each limited by resource availability, transportation convenience, and/or intrinsic engineering properties, in construction sites located in a predominantly aquatic environment, drove a creative form of labor organization.


Sources

Yijie Zhuang, Junping Yuan, et al., Architectural technology and labour organisation at the late Neolithic Liangzhu City, Yangtze Delta region, China. Journal of Archaeological Science, vol.167, July 2024, 105999. doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2024.105999


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