Archaeologists Uncover 17th-Century Cannon, Artifacts on Great Wall of China

Archaeologists have discovered a 1632 iron cannon and other artifacts on the Great Wall of China, providing new insights into the country's military history. The cannon, which weighs roughly 247 pounds and measures 35 inches long, was found during restoration work on the Jiankou section of the wall, near Beijing.

The discovery also includes turquoise artifacts, traces of food, and emotional messages left behind by laborers centuries ago.

Experts from the Beijing Institute of Archaeology say the cannon was unusually well preserved and carries an inscription reading "Chongzhen Year 5," which corresponds to 1632 CE.

The excavation revealed far more than just weapons, with heated brick beds and stove remains used by soldiers stationed along the wall, giving a glimpse into daily life during the Ming dynasty.

The immediate next steps will involve further analysis of the artifacts and potentially more excavations in the area to uncover additional secrets of the Great Wall.