Archaeologists have uncovered an extraordinary find in Shandong Province, China. From these investigations, they discovered three lengthy ceremonial plazas over 3,000 to 2,400 years old. This particular excavation sheds remarkable new light on the early development of a shared Chinese cultural identity. It proposes that these ceremonial assemblies were instrumental in sparking the imperial political unification of China under Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor.
Readings from Qianzhongzitou indicate that such platforms must have been built at an extraordinary moment. Rather, pre-Qin polities pursued the creation of a collective identity to augment their own political legitimation. Yet, from his providence in ancient China, Qin Shi Huang is most well-known for his influence. The reunification process, exemplified by these elaborate rituals, reveals that the impulse for unity began ages before his rule.
Excavation Insights
The excavation revealed three other independent platforms at the Qianzhongzitou site. What happened over hundreds of years was the conversion of this area from a working class, vibrant village into an entirely sacred ritual environment. One of the platforms dates to the Western Zhou period, between 1046 to 771 BC. The other two platforms are from the Warring States period, 475–221 BC. Engravings using the character 土 (tu), meaning earth, have been found at one of these tushi. This discovery emphasizes the importance of the relationship between these rituals and the cultural identity that is being forged during this period.
Dr. Qingzhu Wang, co-author of the research on these ritual platforms, stated, “Our excavations at Qianzhongzitou reveal that the expansion of ancient Chinese states went beyond military conquest.” This canon emphasizes the immense importance of cultural traditions in early Chinese society. Public rituals served as powerful mechanisms for mobilizing social cohesion.
Cultural Identity and Political Control
These ceremonial gatherings on these low platforms were key in planting the seeds for that political unification. Like these pre-Qin states, factions within these empires sought a common cultural identity to establish their rule over heterogeneous peoples. During their rule, the Qi State created an intriguing organized cosmology and religion based primarily on the cult of the Eight Deities. These gods represented everything from Heaven, Earth, Sun and Moon to Yin, Yang and the four seasons.
Dr. Wang emphasized the significance of these gatherings, noting that “the primary purpose of these platforms, we argue, was to bring together an expanding population and cultivate new collective identities through shared ritual experience.” This worldview moves the lens of inquiry away from military triumphs to cultural achievements that promoted cohesion across diverse peoples.
Broader Implications for Historical Studies
The discoveries at Qianzhongzitou significantly contradict the current narratives that prioritize massive state-sponsored urban developments in ancient China. Dr. Wang remarked, “Most studies of this period focus on large-scale developments, often overlooking the influence of public rituals at individual settlement levels.” This shines a light on a critical void in the field of historical research. Future research should take a deep dive into the local practices that fueled national trends.
The political unification under Qin Shi Huang in 221 BC marked the culmination of a long and complex process characterized by infrastructural investments, new technologies, and the integration of diverse ideological constructs. The ceremonial practices found at Qianzhongzitou are key in this transformative process. Simultaneously creating the conceptual groundwork for a Chinese national identity.