| |
Number |
Location |
Description - including sketch plan and/or photograph if
any |
|
| |
T i |
Slightly south of Tii on the
same plateau |
Detail of map 74 in
Serindia  shows
location of Towers Ti, Tii and Tiia the first towers Stein came across north of
the wall just before he camped at Toghrak bulak. And map 38 of
Innermostasia shows all these. |
|
| |
Tii
|
Tii - north west of the
wall on a plateau next to the Su-lo Ho river bed, between it and dry former
beds. --
|
Stein found this one as
he approached Tun-huang on the caravan route. It was designed to provide early
warning of the approach of anyone coming along the ridge line on the caravan
route to and from Lou Lan.
|
|
| |
Tiia
|
Tiia is further north
from Tii on the same plateau and caravan route.
|
The location enabled the
watch to see into an area north of the plateau that was dead ground for someone
on tower Tii.
|
|
| |
Tiii |
This is the next tower east
of Tivb directly adjacent to the wall. Tower Tiii is the third tower to the
east along the wall on the north edge of a ridge above a jungle between it and
the river. The wall went three miles straight to Tvii. |
Plan 36 - for watch stations Tiii, Tivb,
Tv, and Txix -
Photo 153 from Stein's book - Serindia- Ruin of
ancient watch-tower Tiii, near western end of Tun-huang lines - The spot where
the first discovery of an early Chinese record on wood was made is marked by
the two men in foreground
|
|
| |
|
Implements found by watch
towers along the Han wall
|
Illustrations 173-174 from Stein's book -
Serindia - Ancient implements and articles of equipment, excavated
mainly from ruined watch towers of early Chinese border line,
Tun-huang
|
|
| |
|
Pottery and artifacts
found along the wall
|
Illustration 172 from Stein's book -
Serindia- Ancient pottery and implements excavated from ruined watch
-stations on Tun-huang limes
|
|
| |
Tiva |
Tiva is the last tower on the
west end of the wall. It is on a plateau south of and over looking the
Su-lo-Ho. Fig 190 shows the reed-covered marsh basin in which the Su-lo Ho
terminates as seen south of Tiva and shows the beginning of the
wall |
Photo- 194 -Tiva -from Stein's book -
Innermostasia northwest of Tun-huang - there are two unnumbered towers
SW between Tiva and Tv. Detail map shows location of Towers Tiva, Tivb, Tivc
|
|
| |
Tivb |
Tivb is the next to last
tower on the Han wall's western end - It is on a plateau south of and over
looking the Su-lo-Ho |
Plan 36 - for watch stations Tiii, Tivb,
Tv, and Txix - It was one of the first towers found south of the Su-lo Ho and
adjacent to the wall-
|
|
| |
Tivc |
Tivc is south of Tiva and
Tiii forming the apex of a triangle. It is on another narrow
ridge |
181 from Stein's book - Serindia-
Ruin of ancient watch-tower Tiv c, on western flank of Tun-huang limes, with
view to north - On left an eroded clay terrace with deep-cut Nullah, Across
depression with Toghraks and tamarisks is seen in distance an isolated clay
terrace bearing remains of ruined watch-tower Tiva
|
|
| |
Tiv |
North of Tiv is the end of
the Su-lo Ho. |
From Tiv the wall turns south
to marsh ground and the line reached the extreme north east corner of the
terminal basin of the Su-lo-Ho which was filled with lakes that continue west
to 92 degrees 55 min on Map 70 for 300-400 square miles. |
|
| |
Tv |
Tv is the first - easternmost
- of the detached watchtowers located south west of the end of the wall. It is
on a long, narrow finger ridge jutting northwest between depressions full of
toghraks toward the extensive marsh. |
Plan 36 - for watch stations Tiii, Tivb, Tv, and Txix - Stein
determined that this series of six detached, independent watch towers more or
less in a line to the south west and each on a significant height were there to
provide warning in case an enemy was trying to outflank the wall south of the
marsh and river line. |
|
| |
Tvi |
Tvi was located on a
conspicuous site on a narrow ridge. |
Tower Tvi (fig 169) was 18
feet square and 15 feet high made of sun-dried bricks each 15 x 7.5 x 5 inches
with layers of reeds between every three courses. Toghrak trunks 13 feet long
were embedded in the masonry as vertical supports. And long trunks were fixed
horizontally as a frame work inside. There was a staircase on the east side.
|
|
| |
Tvia |
Tvia is the next detached
watch tower south west of tower Tvi and also on a very narrow finger ridge
jutting north west |
Photo 180 from Stein's book -
Serindia - Ruin of ancient watch tower Tvia on western flank of
Tun-huang lines seen from south - The tower is built on an eroded clay ridge,
and on right overlooks a depression with Toghraks and reed beds.
Map 74 -detail shows
locations of towers Tvia, Tvib, Tvic, Tvid in a line to south west as separate
watch towers west of the end of the wall. Special map shows towers Txvi, Txvii, Txviia, Txviib,
Txix, Txx, Txxi, Txxiia, Txxiib, Txxiic, Txxiid, Txxiii, Txxiiia |
|
| |
Tvib |
Tvib is the next detached
watch tower - south west of via |
Plan 37 - for two watch towers at far west end of the Han line -
actually south west and detached from the wall - Tvib and T vic - Tower Tvib -
to cover part of the western end of the line - a watch tower - SW of the end of
the front line, but close to it. There were two towers on a mesa behind the
line of the wall. The location commanded a view of the marsh and covered the
entrance route from the west between the Su-lo Ho ending marsh and the sand
dunes to the south. Map 74 - The main tower controlled the wall towers - its
base was 21 feet square made of sun-dried bricks 14.5 x 7 x 5 inches with reed
layers every few courses. Next to it was a small building for troops quarters
and a massive wall.
Photo
182 from Stein's book - Serindia - Remains of ancient watch tower and
quarters Tvib - Tun-huang lines before excavation, seen from west
183 from Stein's book - Serindia - Rubbish-strewn
slope below ruined watch-tower Tvi b, in course of excavation - The splintered
piece of timber held by laborer marks the spot where hundreds of Chinese
records on wood, all of 1st century B.C., were discovered close to the
surface
|
|
| |
Tvic |
Tvic is the next detached
watch tower - west of vib |
Plan 37 - Plan for tower Tvic - It is
south west of the end of the wall, next in order - on an isolated mound west of
tower Tvib These were outlying signal towers three miles further west on flat
top isolated mesas 150 feet above the low ground. The last tower west from Tivb
had an unbroken view west and south. It was 20 ft square plus quarters and made
of dried bricks each 14.5 x 7 x 5 inches to a height of 16.5 feet. There was a
room 7.5 feet square on the top also unusually well preserved. The adjacent
quarters contained an anti-room along the south wall of the tower.
Photo
181 from Stein's book - Serindia - Ruin of ancient watch tower Tivc - on
western flank of Tun-huang lines with view to north - On left an eroded clay
terrace with deep-cut Nullah. Across depression with Toghraks and tamarisks is
seen in distance an isolated clay terrace (A) bearing remains of ruined watch
tower T iva.
|
|
| |
Tvid |
Tvid is the last of the
series of detached watch towers - a considerable distance south and west of
vic |
Tower Tvid - was 20 ft.
square standing on a small hill and 30 ft high. The top was 13 x 14 foot brick
parapet. This was the furthermost watch tower at the end of the
limes. |
|
| |
Tvii |
Tvii is almost due east of
Tiii across a depression and on a gravel plateau where there is a slight break
in the wall before it continues east to Tviii. |
Photo 204 from Innermostasia -
The next (4th) Watch tower - Tvii - east and across a ravine from Tiii, -note
how this shows the construction method - layers of reeds or branches between
layers of clay - Note the pairs of holes for use with a rope in climbing to
top. It really is amazing that such a tower could remain in even this condition
after 2000 years of steady assault by wind-driven sand. The wall here runs due
west from Tvii on top of a narrow plateau. Stein describes tower Tvii to which
he returned along the wall after first sighting it on his first way to
Tun-huang. (Plate 38 - photo 168) The tower was 23 feet square made of bricks
14 x 7-8 x 4-5 inches. And it had been white washed and plastered. The quarters
next to the tower had 13 coats of white slip of AD 8. The Jade Gate at tower
Txiv had none west of it later than Wang Mang in AD 9-23, which Stein believed
meant the western end of the wall may have been abandoned then.
|
|
| |
Tviii |
Tviii is east of Tvii on the
wall with remains on both sides, in the center of a wide plateau - the 5th
tower to the east |
Plan 38 - Plan for towers Tviii and Txii
-
Photo
171 from Stein's book - Serindia- Guard-room built against north-east
corner of ancient watch tower T viii, Tun-huang limes, after excavation - On
left is seen the narrow gate leading into the quarters of the watch station,
with sockets to hold bars of door; on adjoining wall surface the rough outline
sketch of a camel; on extreme right steps of stairs once leading to roof of
quarters and thence to top of tower.
|
|
| |
Tvix |
Tvix is directly east of
Tviii on the right edge of the same plateau- From there the wall goes straight
north east to Tx |
|
|
| |
Tix |
Tower ix was the best
preserved of all the watch towers. It was located on a knoll 60 feet above the
steep eastern edge of a gravel plateau. It had a view west and east but not
such a good view to the north due to dead ground nearby. Here the wind driven
sand from the east could not attack the tower, so there was less erosion. The
area was not easily viewed from Tviii or T ix due to the deep clay terraces.
|
Photo 173 from Stein's book -
Innermostasia - ancient watch tower T ix on the Han Dynasty wall north
of Tun-huang
The
same photo is 170 from Stein's book - Serindia- Ruined watch tower Tix,
|
|
| |
Tixa |
Tixa, north of a Nullah 2.5
miles from Tviii |
Stein returned from the SW
to visit Tixa - an outlying picket watch station north of the wall. Tixa was 18
ft sq of bricks 18 x 9 x 4.5 inches with reed layers between every 5th brick
course. The tower was enclosed by small defense wall 34 yards square. The wall
from Tix north east is discussed in Chapter XIV. |
|
| |
Tx |
Tx is near an end of the wall
where it meets a significant depression |
Tower Tx (fig 174) The wall
continues to the edge of salt lake. Here the line extends east to Khora-nor
Lake across marshes and small lakes south of the Su-lo-Ho. The section of the
wall and towers Tx - Txvii show excellent engineering to make the wall and
towers conform to the terrain and make maximum advantage of natural obstacles.
The line was far north of the convoy - caravan - route between Lop and
Tun-huang. The terrain was a very complex mix of marsh and depressions and
gravel ridges and gravel plateaus like a coast line with tongues between bays
and inlets. (plate 33). 174 from Stein's book - Serindia - Ruined watch-
tower Tx, Tun-huang limes, seen from south-east
|
|
| |
Txi |
Txi is the next tower to the
east on an isolated hill amid a complex terrain feature with depressions all
around. It is in detached location on a knoll over looking the marsh. It is
half a mile from the lake. |
photo 178 from Stein's
book - Innermostasia - Ancient watch tower Txi on the Han Dynasty wall
near Tun-huang
Figures 193 and 198 show stacks of reed fascines near watch towers Txi
and Txiii.- plate 33. North of Txi the plateau is cut by two ravines. To the
east part of the wall remains toward the marsh. The tower is decayed. It is 16
ft high, and probably was 24 feet square. The layers are made of clay lumps 2
feet thick. There is a guard room on top. The west base side has a small room
21 x 12 feet with clay walls. There is an outer enclosure wall 75 feet in
diameter. The marsh east of Txi cannot be crossed. The wall, again, appeared on
the edge of the marsh toward Txiia - fig 177. North of Txi the plateau is cut
by two ravines. Part of the wall to the east goes to the marsh. The tower is
decayed due to water. |
|
| |
Txia
|
|
Plans for watch stations Txia, T xxiiif,
Txxiiil at the Han Dynasty wall north of Tun huang
|
|
| |
Txii |
Txii is east and slightly to
the south of Txi also amid complex terrain - no wall is found between these two
towers. It was on the southern end of a gravel ridge next to a wide marsh
depression with a bog on each side of Txiia. Here the caravan route to Lop and
Lou lan passes on the south side of Txii. |
Plan 38 - Plan for towers Tviii and Txii
-
Photo
181 from Stein's book - Innermostasia- Ancient watch tower Txii on the
Han Dynasty wall north of Tun-huang -
Photo
169 from Stein's book - Serindia - Ruined watch tower Txii, on ancient
Chinese Han wall, northwest of Tun-huang
The map
74 (D3) shows tower Txii well placed to guard this
route and watch traffic and customs - immigration post and border control like
the modern fort at Chia-yu kuan at Su-chou. The remains of Txii are plate 38.
The broken tower is 21 feet square and 18 feet tall built of bricks 15 x 8 x 5
inches. Layers or reeds placed between every 3 courses of bricks. There was an
out building next to the tower. There was marsh east of Txii and deep
northward. Tower Txii was a road side post not part of the wall defense
itself. |
|
| |
Txiia |
Txiia is north west of Txii
and east north east of Txi on another mesa |
Plan 39 - Watch tower Txiia and layout of
piles of fascines
Photo
177 from Stein's book - Serindia - Ruined watch tower T xiia - with
remains of adjoining quarters and stairs, Tun-huang lines
South east of Tower Txiia 3/4 mile on an adjoining segment of wall is
tower Txii (fig 181). Tower Txiia is decayed - 8 feet high and 23 feet square
of sun-dried bricks each 17 x 8 x 5 inches with reeds between every 3 brick
courses. There are quarters next to it and many fragments. The southern end of
a gravel ridge next to a wide marsh depression bog on each side of Txiia. The
watch tower was far from the line of the wall. The line of the wall again near
Txiia was on opposite side of the marsh for 2 miles to Txiii (fig 180) - It
showed some damage - there were quarters next to it made of the same bricks -
23 feet square and 24 feet high. The wall had plaster where it was preserved by
debris. Plate 38 shows rooms 13 x 8. Fig 180 shows excavation and stairs to the
roof of the quarters. Toghrak wood was in stairs. The line of the wall appeared
again near Txiia on the opposite side of the marsh 2 miles from Txiii (fig 180)
Its wall had plaster where preserved by debris. |
|
| |
Txiid
|
Next to Kara-nor
|
Having excavated at the
towers toward the western end of the wall in 1907, Stein focused on the towers
next to the Kara-nor lake further east starting with tower Txiid. Starting with
that tower Stein moved along the southern shore of Khara-nor.
|
|
| |
Txiii |
Txiii is mid way along the
wall due east of Txiia across this plateau. At the eastern end of the plateau
the wall shifts to the north east across broken terrain to Txivb. From the top
of Txiii one can see all the watch towers from Txi to Txix and could at night
see signal fires much further - probably from Tix to Txxii or 30
miles. |
Photo 180 from Innermostasia -
Ancient watch tower Txiii with quarters Fig 180 shows excavation and stairs to
the roof of the quarters made of Toghrak wood.
Plate
38 - from Stein's book Serindia - Plan of tower Txiii part of the Han
wall complex. It shows rooms 13 x 8 feet.
175
from Stein's book - Serindia - Stretch of ancient border wall, built of
layers of reed fascines and clay, east of tower Txiii, Tun-huang limes
East of Txiii the ground dips into a depression 15 feet below. The wall
is well preserved
176
from Stein's book - Serindia - Remains of ancient border wall adjoining
salt marsh, to west of tower Txiva, Tun-huang limes, seen from south. The wall
for 200 yards is 10-11 feet high. Next to this wall is another depression track
made by foot patrols.
|
|
| |
Txiv |
Txiv is a larger fortress
building - the "Jade Gate" - located back from the wall but directly
on the caravan route that goes east there. A cross wall to the south starts
here. Stein found a second line of wall from north of Txiv passing close by to
the west and continuing S-SE toward Nan -hu. This wall was only 5 feet wide and
starts SW on the edge of the marsh south of Txv and Txva. Due south across
gravel - to the west of the fort it went 3.5 miles on to a watch tower (plate
40). The secondary wall connected Txiv to Nan -hu and its Yang barrier.
This detail of map 74 shows
Txiv as a fort rather than tower, well back from the wall - shows towers from
Tvii on the west to Txvii on the east |
Tower Txiv (fig 152)
plate 34 was 26 feet square, 20 feet tall with a room on top and appeared to be
more recently built. But the main control was at Yu-men tower Txiv. The reason
Txiv was placed here (fig 179 - 183) was it was on top of a neck of raised
ground like an isthmus across the depression. The fort is massive in
construction - at Txiv thick walls of stamped clay. (fig 183 - 184 - plate 40).
An opening in the middle of the north wall is 13 feet wide but it was not the
real entrance which is on the west wall and only 8 feet wide. The interior is
54 ft square. Stein identified this as the "Jade Gate" or one
location for it, as it was moved at various times to suit contemporary
needs.
Plan
40 - Local site plan and tower plan for tower Txiv and local site plan for
tower Txva. Tower Txiv is located south of Txiva on a ridge - Stein identifies
this as the famous "Jade Gate"
Photo 183 from Stein's book - Innermostasia -
Ancient fort Txiv at "Jade Gate' on the Han Dynasty wall near Tun-huang -
Stein spent quite a bit of effort and analysis on determining which of the
towers and forts corresponded to the famous "Jade Gate' described in Han
documents. This was the customs and immigration station adjacent to the wall
that controlled merchant entrance and exit. Since jade was the most famous
valuable coming into China from the Khotan region the customs place received
this nick name.
Photo 154 from Stein's book - Serindia - Ruin of
ancient Chinese fort Txiv, marking the position of the "Jade Gate"
seen from north-east
Photo
184 - Ancient fort Txiv - the Jade Gate on the Han Dynasty wall north of
Tun-huang - gate is in west wall -
Photo
179 from Stein's book - Serindia- Hillock with remains marking position
of ancient 'Jade Gate' station near fort Txiv Tun-huang limes.
|
|
| |
Txiva |
Built on a clay terrace
overlooking the depression at which the wall terminated. (fig
194) |
Plan 39 - Plan for the ruined towers
Txiva, Txvi on the Han wall west of Tun-huang
Photo
176 from Stein's book - Serindia - Remains of ancient Han wall adjoining
salt march to west of tower T xiva- Tun-huang lines seen from south The wall
reappeared on the NE edge of a marsh SW to NE across the plateau. Tower Txiva
was on a ridge where the wall crosses the ridge and was 50 yards from the
western slope of the ridge and 15 feet high and 24 feet square made of the same
kind of bricks. (fig 188 - Plate 39). There was a room on top 8 feet
square.
. |
|
| |
Txivb |
Txivb is located north of
Txiv on the edge of a steep ridge - the wall shifts direction to north east to
tower Txv |
|
|
| |
Txivc |
Txivc is located well south
of the Han wall but next to another wall that runs south from
Txiv |
|
|
| |
Txv |
Txv is located adjacent to
the wall - across a depression from Txivb |
The wall between Txv and
Txvii is a continuous link with notable ruins in this part. At Txv the ruined
tower on a small hill 20 feet high at the east end of a basin was brick as
usual 19 feet high with a small room adjacent. From Txv the wall was traced but
was low across gravel plateau to Txiv for 1.5 miles. This one was on southern
edge of a dry basin with a good view north and east. It was built of sun-dried
bricks 14 x 7 x 4.5 inches with reeds laid between each 3 courses. The height
was 13 feet (plate 39) and it was 24 feet square. There was a 8 foot square
guard room at the top. 50 yards south east there were stacks of reeds for
signaling. There were 10 inscribed slips and records in the room dated from AD
68 to 77 plus one of 86-74 BC. |
|
| |
Txva
|
|
Plate 40 - Site plan for ruined station
Txva on the Han wall west of Tun-huang
|
|
| |
Txvi |
Txvi is a short distance east
from Txv also adjacent to the wall |
Plan 39 - Plan for the ruined tower Txvi
From Txvi the wall went on gravel terrace and shallows to Txvii at the
western edge of a basin crossed by the Su-lo-Ho with lakes and marshes. This
tower was 22 feet square of the same brick but broken at 10 feet height. There
were quarters next to it. Refuse records were dated 58 BC. The wall then
continued east into the marsh a mile away to remains of a broken tower Txviia
on a small hill 50 feet high. Then a lagoon of 3 miles to Txix with bogs to the
north. 4 miles long by 2 miles wide. (Fig 186). The river was overlooked by
Tower Txviii. |
|
| |
Txvii |
Txvii is the next tower east
of Txvi at an end of the wall as it reaches a depression |
|
|
| |
Txviia |
Txviia is on an isolated hill
north east of Txvii north of the general line of the wall which is not found in
this section |
|
|
| |
Txviii |
Txviii is on the edge of a
plateau south east of Txiia but no wall is shown here. |
Photo 182 from Stein's book -
Innermostasia - North west corner of enclosure of ancient magazine
Txviii near the Han Dynasty wall north of Tun-huang
Photo
186 - Ruins of ancient magazine Txviii - the large magazine building that
served as granary and arms depot for the defense line
Plate
41 -Txviii - Plan of the large building that Stein identified as the local
military magazine for supply to the troops along the western end of the Han
Dynasty line. Stein found a high structure just behind the line of
the wall between Txvii and Txix. This wall was 560 feet east to west with three
large halls each 139 feet by 48.5 feet inside and an adjoining length wise face
ran 5.5 feet thick. The building was on the northern edge of a clay ridge
separated by 65 feet wide cut and all 15 feet above the adjacent ground. The
building walls were still 25 feet high with no large windows, instead there
were triangular openings 3 feet high in one row level with the floor and
another at 14-15 feet up on the wall. These were used for ventilation. The
right side shows the least damaged section of the enclosure. There were SW
towers - left of fig 186 20 feet high. A NW tower is in fig 182. Plate 41 is a
plan of the building and it shows 3 towers with traced walls built within the
inner enclosure. These were posts to guard the contents - not to protect from
outside. Besides the inner enclosure the remains of two mounds parallel to the
south and north walls - the northern one 80 feet outside and the southern one
100 yards away. There was no trace of east- and west walls. Only one wood
record dated 52 BC was found. Stein believed this was likely a granary as there
were several records about grain release and several written works of the T'ang
era mention this place. The location of the magazine was secure by a wide marsh
north so no wall was needed
Photo 156 from Stein's book - Serindia- Ruins of
ancient Chinese magazine Txviii, on Tung-huang lines seen from south.
|
|
| |
Txviiia |
Txviiia - These two towers
are located far south of the wall in the middle of desert |
Detail of map sheet 78
shows
towers Txviiia and Txviiib on Stein's route back northwest from Tun-huang at
approx 94 degrees 7' E and 40 degrees 5' N - just north of a ruined
temple. |
|
| |
Txviiib |
Txviiib is south of but
adjacent to Txviiia |
|
|
| |
Txix |
Txix is the next tower east
and a bit north from Txviia across marshy ground - the wall begins here to Txx
a short distance at the east edge of the ridge. It was at a naturally strong
point at the northern end of a steep ridge with full view of the depression of
the Su-lo Ho. |
Plate 36 - Plan for ruined watch station
tower Txix -. It was made of the usual bricks, 22 feet square with a guard room
at the top 8 feet square and on the eastern side a room full of much refuse
including a label for a bag of 100 bronze arrow heads. To the east the Limes
reappeared on firm ground between the marsh and a lake 3 miles long and 1.5
miles wide. The gap between the marsh and lake was 1 mile wide but had 2 watch
towers, Txix and Txx, and a connecting wall (fig 190) on top of an isolated
steep clay hill 100 feet high. (plate 33)
|
|
| |
Txx |
Txx is close to Txix and on
the edge of the plateau directly overlooking the river marsh - The caravan
route passes close to the south of these towers, but no wall was found
here. |
Photo 190 from Stein's book - Innermostasia Watch tower
Txx was a ruin. along the wall 3/4 mile toward the lake on a hill north east at
the end of a mesa 70 feet high. It was of brick 13 feet high with adjacent
rooms in which many wooden records were found. The wall seen at NE end of the
clay ridge on which Txx was located and the wall went to the edge of the lake -
a good barrier -.There was no wall on the south shore for 7 miles.
178
from Stein's book - Serindia - Remains of ancient watch-tower Txx,
overlooking lake west of Khara-nor, Tun-huang limes
|
|
| |
Txxi |
Txxi is the next tower east,
located on lower ground adjacent to the river. |
But the watch towers from
Txxi to Txxia were on high mesas. Txxi was decayed tower at western end of the
top of a steep clay ridge 80 feet above the depression. It was north of the
caravan track and 3 miles SE of Txxd. Txxi had 10 feet height remaining made of
bricks 17 x 8 x 5 inches. There were two apartments on the east side. Three
miles ENE from Txxi on top of a small clay rise 80 feet high was ruin of Txxiia
built of clay clods and Toghrak twigs - 13 feet high with no remaining
quarters. |
|
| |
Towers
|
The line of towers along
the Su-lo Ho and south side of Kara-nor. Special map shows towers Txvi, Txvii, Txviia, Txviib,
Txix, Txx, Txxi, Txxiia, Txxiib, Txxiic, Txxiid, Txxiii, Txxiiia
|
Map 78 shows Tun-huang
and the area directly north as far as the Su-lo Ho and Kara-nor with Stein's
routes between these and the towers along the river and lake.
|
|
| |
Txxiia |
Txxiia is located half way
between Txxi and Txxiib on open ground south of the river. with no wall on
either side. |
Detail of map 78
shows
the Kara-nor lake and areas west and east with Towers Txxiib, Txxiic,
Txxiid |
|
| |
Txxiib |
Txxiib is located on the edge
of a plateau with short wall section east to Txxiic |
Going around the edge of the
marsh NE Stein found firm ground (map 78 A3) and the north end of a well marked
plateau spur from the Kuruk-tagh natural barrage that holds up the Su-lo Ho in
the Khara-nor basin. The barrage was 2 miles wide. The river here was fordable
and the line of the wall crossed the barrage from the western shore of
Khara-nor to a wide marsh on the other side. But the line of the wall here was
much ruined, only barely seen between towers Txxiib and Txxiic. The wall was
1.5 miles south of the Su-lo Ho. Tower Txxiib was decayed brick, 13 feet high,
on a 20 foot high hill. One of the wooden records recovered here dated from AD
12. |
|
| |
Txxiic |
Txxiic is located at the
western edge of Kara-nor lake - short wall section west but no wall to its east
- It is 3/4 mile east of Txxiib on a 90 foot high ridge. It commanded a wide
view across and along the lake - towers T xxiiic and Txxiiie being visible.
Where ever the Chinese engineers could count on the lake or a wide marsh-bed to
prevent raiders they economized on wall building and spaced the towers only to
provide distant observation. The wall could be traced for 10 miles. directly
east from Tower xxii c to tower xxiii b. |
Tower Txxiic was at the
highest point on an isolated clay ridge away from the shore of the Khara-nor.
The ruin was built of stamped clay and layers of reeds but decayed down to a
height of only 10 feet. It was 14 feet square and 9 feet high on which was the
remains of a 6 foot square room. The tower was built of sun-dried bricks 14 x 7
x 4 inches with reed layers between every 5th course. Stein found two dozen
records and silk there. The earliest record was a daily unit duty roster
mentioning guard, cooking, making bricks and the like. Looking from Txxiic
across the Khara-nor to the east Stein could see only Txxiid about 5 miles away
on the southern shore. This ended his visit as he had to return to Tung-huang.
From Txvii to Khora-nor at Txxiic was 18 miles - all south of the Su-lo
Ho. |
|
| |
Txxiid |
Txxiid is located right on
the southern edge of Kara-nor lake midway east |
About the middle of the
length of the lake shore there was a prominent ridge which reduced the width of
the lake but also provided a high plateau. There were three watch towers T xxii
d to f within a distance of 2 miles. Tower Txxii d (fig 199) is on eroded clay
about 80 feet above the marsh to the west. The tower was 16 feet square and
even ruined remained 9 feet high. (See plate 13 below). It was built of sun
dried brocks 14 x 7.5 inches and 4 inches thick. There were thin layers of
straw between every fourth course of bricks. Adjacent to it were the remains of
three rooms one of which likely was used as a stove to heat the others. The
tower provided an usual mass of refuse from which Stein obtained Chinese
documents including one dated 16 December 47 AD. signed by Tsung-min and
Shou-kuan, the former was from the P'o-hu of the barrier, likely the
name of a section of the wall |
|
| |
Txxiie
|
Between Txxiid and Txxiif
on the southern shore of Kara-nor lake.
|
Similar to Txxiif - see
Plate 13 below
|
|
| |
Txxiif
|
Less than a mile north
east of T xxiie with a belt of erosion terraces curving around from Txxiii. It
had a full view of the lake shore. There was no wall for the next 5 miles
eastward along the lake shore. But the gap between Txxiif and Txxiib was not
completely unguarded. There were two small towers, Txxiii and Txxiiia at the
end of the plateau adjacent to the lake.
|
Txxiif was 16 feet square at the
base with a guard room at a height of 8 feet being 7 feet square. There was an
entrance through the narrow passage in the south-east corner.
Photo
202 - Refuse heap below watch tower T xxiif - - Note the man barely visible in
this poor photo. Stein was always looking for refuse dumps as they contained so
many written documents as well as other articles from Chinese daily life.
Plate 13 from Stein's book -
Innermostasia - Plans for watch stations Txxiif, Txxiid, Txxiie, Tiva at
the Han Dynasty wall north west of Tun-huang
|
|
| |
Txxiii |
Txxiii is located far south
east of Txxiid on the caravan route but not near the line of the wall - but
there is no wall to the north because the Kara-nor lake is there. |
However, he found two more
towers - Txxiii and Txiiia - to the south on the way to Tung-huang, at the
northern end of a plateau toward the Khara-nor while skirting around the south
shore. Txxiii was on a narrow, steep crest 110 feet above the plain with a good
view north and east. From there he could see Txxiid. Txxiii was 16 feet square
and only 10 feet high made of lumps of clay and fascines of wood between each 5
layers. |
|
| |
Txxiiia |
Txxiiia is located about 150
yards north and down the ridge from Txxiii |
Txxiiia was lower down. It
overlooks the caravan route as it wound around the ridge in a defile and then
went due west toward Yu-men and southeast toward Tung-huang. The tower was made
of bricks 14 x 7 x 4 inches and reed straw and was 16 feet square, 8 feet high,
with a guard room on top |
|
| |
Txxiiib |
About 2.5 miles ENE of Tower
T xxiiia is another tower Txxiiib on an eroded ridge 50 feet high. The line of
the wall here is much eroded coming from T xxiiic to the east. |
T xxiiib is 16 feet square
and 13-14 feet high built of bricks 14 x 7 x 4 inches. The line of the wall was
designed with careful purpose to supplement the natural defenses of the river
and to save labor in construction and in the effort of guards. (plate 33).
Stein shows the topography including the coastline of the depression to the
north from erosion. The marsh was quite impassable for horses or camels. Towers
were on commanding ground - Tx to Txvii over an 18 mile stretch. The wall was
on each section of firm ground and able to be passed at the edge of the marsh.
The engineers used all the natural obstacles. . Two sections - Txix - Txx and
Txxiib - Txxiic .The group of towers Txxiiib to Rxxiiig and the wall connecting
stretches of ridges was found to be marshy on March 20-22. Fragments of
tapestry and rug were found here. The wall here extended through the depression
and right up the side of the mesa. It was then extended round the end of the
mesa.
Plans
for watch station Txxiiib and section of cross wall - Txxiiic - at the Han
Dynasty wall north west of Tun-huang far to the rear (south) of the wall on the
caravan track from the south toward the wall
|
|
| |
Txxiiic
|
Almost a mile and half
due east of T xxiiib is a 90-foot high mesa on which is tower Txxiiic
|
T xxiii c is a well preserved
tower built of layers of stamped and 14.5 feet square at its base. It remained
intact to a height of 15 feet. The eastern face of the tower showed foot-holes
flanked on either side by smaller holes intended to afford a grip for persons
climbing to the top. On the northern side there adjoined a room about 13 feet
square with walls built of brick and about 1 foot, 8 inches thick. The wall
facing to the north stood to 8 feet height but that to the west was much broker
and that to the east practically destroyed from the prevailing east wind.
From the northwest corner of this tower the Han wall was 8 feet thick and
turned to the south-west toward a knoll as high as that of the tower but
steeper. The knoll was a natural defense on which the wall had a gap of 30
feet. Past this the wall was built of bricks of 14 x 7 x 4 inches and was 3
feet thick. The wall continued down the far side over a steep slope for 27 more
feet. This Stein noted was the only section of the wall that he found built of
brick masonry. Beyond that stretch the wall was again built of reed fascines
and clay toward the south-west for a further 90 feet, then turned
west-north-west toward tower Txxiiib.
Plate from Stein's book - Innermostasia
- Plans for watch stations Txxiiic, Txxiiib at the Han Dynasty wall.
The area by the tower on the high knoll was covered with much
pottery debris showing lengthy occupation. From the usual refuse Stein found
Chinese records on wood and various small objects including two bronze arrow
heads. Tower Txxiii c had a fragment of a calendar dated year 4 B.C.
|
|
| |
Txxiiid
|
From tower Txxiii c the
decayed wall went south-east towards a 100 foot high mesa at a distance of a
mile. Over this distance the wall was nothing but an earthen mound. On that
mesa was a completely decayed tower Txxiii d.
|
|
|
| |
Txxiiie
|
A mile and half south of
Txxiid but outside the line of the wall.
|
It guarded the lake
shore which could not be seen from tower Txxiii c. But boggy ground prevented
Stein from reaching Txxiii e. That tower served an important purpose in
covering an angle section of wall. While the guard on Txxiii c could not see
the close area under the edge of the mesa he could see very widely at a long
distance to the north-east to where the Su-lo-Ho joined by branches of the
Tang-ho entered Khara-nor.
|
|
| |
Txxiiif
|
At tower Txxiii d the
wall turned ENE for another mile to another clay ridge on which at 35 feet
above the adjacent terrain there was tower Txxiii f (fig 202).
|
This was built of lumps
of clay with layers of thin Toghrak branches between them. It was 14 feet
square at the base and remained to a height of 16 feet. The ridge had been
widened by a built up area of a clay platform. About 6 feet from the tower was
a well, 3 feet in diameter.
|
|
| |
Txxiiig
|
From tower Txxiii f the
wall turned to the south-east for another 7 miles, but at less than a mile was
tower Txxiii g on a 30 foot high terrace.
|
Station Txxiii g was a
tower with a chamber 7 feet square between thick walls of bricks but broken
down to only 5 feet high. The entrance was on the south-at corner. The Han wall
passed at a distance of about 20 feet to the north.
|
|
| |
Txxiiih
|
A mile further the wall
passed another isolated clay terrace about 15 feet high that formerly had held
another tower, but only pottery remained. The wall continued for another 2
miles across depressions full of reeds. The wall was again found on another
hill - with Tower Txxiii h (plan 16).
|
This one had a base of 16
feet square and was built of bricks 14 x 7 x 4 inches to a height of 11 feet.
The upper portion had a guard room 8 feet square.
|
|
| |
Txxiiii, Txxiiij, and
Txxiiik
|
Over the next mile Stein
found three more watch towers T xxiii i, j, and k along the wall. These were
all built like T xxiii h.
|
But Stein did not have
time to excavate those three towers on 22 March.
|
|
| |
Txxiiil
|
The next tower to
Txxiiih
|
From tower Txxiii l Stein
had to move rapidly onward due to shortage of water. But T xxiii l was a brick
tower of the same dimensions and appearance as the others. The guard room was 6
feet square. entered by a narrow passage on the south (plan 14). It was full of
refuse to 4 feet deep. Stein recovered over 2 dozen Chinese documents on wood.
A refuse heap was also found outside in which there were an additional 3 dozen
records
|
|
| |
Txxiiim, Txxiiin,
Txxiiio, Txxiiip, Txxiiiq,Txxiiir, Txxiiis
|
Seven more towers in the
same general direction.
|
Stein continued on and
reached decayed towers Txxiii m and n. each 3/4 mile apart. The wall continued
toward the south-east. Stein noted the towers were not in a straight line,
which he guessed might be due to enabling visibility of each tower if they were
not right behind each other. Beyond these the wall disappeared in marshy
terrain. Further on was tower Txxiii o on the end of a low terrace. Its bricks
remained to a height of 15 feet. The wall continued over gravel past low mounds
remaining of towers Txxiii p and Txxiii r to the east to tower Txxiii s. But
Tower Txxiii q remained to a height of 12 feet. Txxiii s was 17 feet high and
both were of usual brick masonry - the former had reeds between every 2 courses
and the latter had them between every 5 courses.
|
|
| |
Txxiiit, Txxiiiu,
Txxiiiv
|
Tower Txxiiit was to the
east-south-east about a mile and half away. The direct route was blocked by a
sheet of water and a bog
|
They continued next to
marshes and found two more towers. One was named Txxiii u and measured 29 feet
square at the base. It was likely meant as a refuge place for local farmers. It
was old but not part of the Han wall defenses. The wall probably continued east
from Txxiii t to join the section Stein had explored in 1907 to Txxx. The
second, smaller, tower was even more recent. Stein continued on to the high
walls of Tun-huang.
|
|
| |
Txxiv |
|
Txxiv (map 78 - D3). It was
made of quarried clay blocks and was 20 feet square and 18 feet
high. |
|
| |
Txxv |
North of Tun-huang
|
Plan 34 - for towers Txxv, Txxvii, and
Txxix
Photo 162 from Stein's book - Serindia - Ruined
watch-tower T xxv, seen from south-west
|
|
| |
Txxvi |
|
Watch tower Txxvi (fig 150)
was 25 feet tall, 20 feet square, and made of hard clay interlayed with thin
layers of brush wood. |
|
| |
Txxvii
|
|
Plate 34 - Plan for ruined watch station
tower T xxvii - part of the Han wall complex.
Photo
164 from Stein's book - Serindia- Remains of ancient watch tower Txxvii,
Tun-huang limes - The ruin stands on a natural clay terrace of which the
continuation is seen at right- Naik Ram Singh is in foreground.
|
|
| |
Txxix |
|
Plate 34 - Plans for ruined watch station
towers Txxix and Txxv - part of the Han wall complex.
|
|
| |
|
|
Photo 163 from Stein's book -
Serindia- Face of ancient border wall, near Tun-huang showing
construction of alternate layers of stamped clay and reeds.
|
|
| |
Wall west of
An-hsi
|
Stein had to avoid
treacherous terrain in several locations created by underground drainage from
the Nan-shan emerging to create salt-bogs. He continued, hurrying to reach
water. Finally he found the evidence of the wall, in a straight line of low
ridge only 3-4 feet high but clearly man made.
|
The next morning Stein
turned back south-west to find the wall. They found the low but straight mound
when practically falling on it. It was about 4 feet high but 32 feet wide.
|
|
| |
Txxxi |
Along a long west to east
stretch of the low salt bogs parallel to the Su-lo-Ho. |
Towers Txxxi and Txxxv. He
repeatedly complemented the Han engineers for maximum use of terrain and
topography both to enhance the strength of sections of wall and also to enable
them to skip sections where the river and marshes would prevent
incursions. |
|
| |
Towers near
An-hsi |
West of An-hsi near the route
from Tun-huang
Detail of Map 81 of the area around An-hsi shows the towers and section
of wall Stein found west of town in order west to east they are Txxx, Txxix, Txxviii, Txxvii,
txxvi, Txxxi, Txxxiii, Txxxiv, Txxxv - but Txxxv is closest to the river- and
this detail shows the relation of this section to An-hsi |
Stein departed Tun-huang
toward An-hsi with the objective of locating more of the Han wall than he had
found in 1907. Stein moved north to find the wall. He planned to start at tower
T xxxv where he had stopped in 1907.Stein had already found
traces of the Han wall to 35 miles west of An-hsi. On June 20th he found two
more old towers - one 4 miles SW of An-hsi was 18 feet high and 14 feet square,
like the others. Here he found Han era pottery. The second tower was a mile
east and 22 feet high with 17 feet square base. The line of the wall was
visible toward the east. He revisited An-hsi in October 1907. There the wall
intersects the road from Tun-huang to An-hsi with 5 small towers, likely
stations for reception of visiting officials. To the east the wall disappeared,
but there was one more watch tower, 8 feet high and 5 feet in
diameter. |
|
| |
Txxxv |
On the stretch of low bogs
parallel to Su-lo Ho, The wall east of tower Txxxv |
Photo 165 from Stein's book -
Serindia - Remains of ancient border wall, between low dunes, east of
tower Txxxv, Tun-huang limes - The Chinese laborer on left stands on surface of
low gravel mound.
This detail shows the location of the dunes relative to the line of wall and
towers.
|
|
| |
An-hsi details
|
Detail of the area
adjacent to the town.
|
Maps showing An-hsi and
the short section of wall Stein found close to it. This detail shows An-hsi, two ruined old fortified
towns, a section of the wall and four un-numbered towers
|
|
| |
Txxxviia
|
Near An-hsi - Stein had
to avoid treacherous terrain in several locations created by underground
drainage from the Nan-shan emerging to create salt-bogs. He continued, hurrying
to reach water. Finally he found the evidence of the wall, in a straight line
of low ridge only 3-4 feet high but clearly man made.
|
They found a mound that
was all that remained of a tower designated Txxxvii a. The construction here
was inferior to that Stein found further west. But there were no signs of
ruined watch towers further west.
|
|
| |
Txxxviib
|
Near An-hsi - to the
south
|
Turning east Stein
followed the wall and found that it rose to a height of 9 and 12 feet in
alternating layers of clay and brush wood. There were sections that evidenced
efforts to burn the wall. A mile east they found another decayed mound
designated Txxxvii b.
|
|
| |
Txxxviic, Txxxviid,
Txxxviie
|
Near An-hsi - south -
east of Txxxviia
|
At another half mile they
found another tower Txxxvii c built of stamped clay. This one had a remaining
square base 20 feet but most of the northern and eastern faces were decayed.
The remaining height reached 14 feet. The wall continued to the east with a
height of 6 to 8 feet composed of layers of brushwood. The next watch tower was
reached after 2 more miles. This one, Txxxvii d was only a mound, but the wall
made its usual semi-circle to the north around it at a distance of 50 yards.
Further the wall continued in a direction of S 97 degrees E. They found another
decayed tower Txxxvii e and then stopped for the night in order to find the
camp that had been set up by the river.
|
|
| |
Txxxviif
|
Along the wall southwest
of An-hsi - in same series as above listing.
|
They found another tower,
Txxxvii f that had a height of 18 feet and was 18 feet square at the base. Its
construction was unusual, being formed of an outer casing of stamped clay with
an interior of natural clay. Wooden beams had been fixed into square holes cut
into the natural clay and then the stamped clay had been built up around these
beams. There was evidence of signal fires having been set on the top. No
significant refuse was found.
|
|
| |
Line of the wall
|
Stein returned to the
line of the wall, south of the river. Its location puzzled Stein. He could not
find a clear trace to the south-west toward tower Txxxvii e. Stein searched all
around and finally found the Han wall again a mile and half to the
east-south-east of Txxxvii f.
|
But at this location he
found two lines of wall about 90 yards apart. These then united a half mile to
the southeast at Txxxvii h, a decayed tower. Stein decided that the two
segments had been built to rectify the defense near a pre-existing dike that
was evident joining them. He considered this more evidence of the hasty and
relatively poor construction methods employed for this section of the
wall.
|
|
| |
Txxxviih,
Txxxvii-i
|
At Txxxvii i the line of
the wall took a sharp turn to the north-east. After another mile there was
another clay mound remanent of a tower. Then the line continued in the same
direction for another mile and quarter to another ruin Txxxvii k.
|
From tower Txxxvii h the
wall continued for a mile and half to Txxxvii i. This tower was also nothing
but a mound of clay. But 30 yards west of it and within the wall here was the
remains of a small cell in better condition. This was 6 feet 3 inches square
with masonry walls to a height of 2-3 feet. The bricks were 9 x 6 x 4 inches.
This appeared to be a small shrine.
|
|
| |
Txxxviik
|
The wall rose to a height
of 6 to 8 feet in places. From T xxxvii k the wall turned due east toward a
large tower some mile away. This one appeared new, but might have been built
from an earlier tower. Along this stretch the wall was again
different.
|
It was two narrow walls
of earth and fascines about 6 feet apart with the space between filled with
loose earth. All this section had been decayed by moisture. By this time Stein
had reached cultivated ground at Erh-kung. Further east they could find only a
short section of decayed wall amid the cultivated area so abandoned the search
and proceeded to An-hsi.
|
|
| |
Txxxviiia to
Txxxviiic
|
South east of
An-hsi
|
Further on they found
again the series of towers Txxxviii a to c that they had found near An-hsi in
1907. ( tower Txxxviii a, shown in Fig 215 and described in Serindia.)
|
|
| |
|
There is a break between
Stein's 2nd expedition finds of Han wall near Ansi and his 3rd expedition more
detailed finds of the wall north of Su-chou. The narrative changes from 2nd to
3rd expedition.
|
Detail from map 83
showing the Su-lo Ho and sections of the wall south of it toward the west and
then north of it toward the east. and
|
|
| |
Txl
|
The defile through which
the Su-lo Ho forces its way west is between offshoots of the Pei-shan to the
north and outer ridges of the Nan-shan to the south. At this point the main
high road to the south of the river crosses a ridge 200 feet above the river.
There, not surprisingly, it is guarded by two Chinese fort towers.
|
Now Stein found a tower
Txl a near the river and almost opposite the two modern towers on the other
side. (plan 14)
|
|
| |
Txla - Yxxiiif - Txxiiil
|
|
Plate 14 from Stein's
book - Innermostasia - Plans for watch stations Txla, Txxiiif, Txxiiil
at the Han Dynasty wall north of Tun-huang
|
|
| |
Txl b, Txl c
|
About 2 more miles to the
east he found another tower, Txlb. And a third tower, Txlc was on the top of a
high hill projecting from the Pei-shan overlooking the Su-lo Ho from the north.
About half way to Txlb Stein found a section of the wall itself at a bearing of
S 100 degrees E near the defile. It was about 34 feet wide and 8-9 feet high.
Along the north side there was a ditch from which the wall earth had been dug.
Stein reached tower Txlb a short distance north of the wall and on higher
ground.
|
It is a small walled
enclosure about 19.5 feet square inside with a tower 8.5 feet high in the
north-east corner. It is built of the usual bricks 13 x 7 x 4 inches. The walls
are strengthened by later construction. It was exactly like the towers near
Tun-huang. It was 20 feet square at the base on 26 feet high. It was built of
solid layers of stamped clay 6 inches thick. From there Stein climbed the 300
foot high spur north of the defile. From there he had an extensive view of the
entire defile and the valley to the east as far as the large fort at Bulungir.
This detail of map 83 frfom the second expedition shows Bulungir and the wall
from
Stein's view looking the opposite way. To the north he could see the Pei-shan
hills and to the west the gravel plain toward An-hsi. The tower Txl c on the
summit was in a perfect location to provide observation. It was built of bricks
with layers of tamarisk brushwood after each 3 courses. It was 23 feet square
at base and remained 13 feet high. The south and southwest sides had collapsed
due to the slope itself subsiding. On the east face one course of bricks was
laid vertically between two courses horizontally. There was an observation post
4 feet wide on top in which Stein found Han era Chinese documents.
|
|
| |
Wall north of the Su-lo
Ho
|
Returning down the spur
Stein and team found the wall again to the east of Txlb. There it was
constructed of layers of gravelly earth and tamarisk brushwood. It followed the
slope of the hills that line the north side of the defile only 200 yards from
the river bed.
|
There the wall was
commanded by the crest of the hills that rose 100 to 150 feet above it. This
indicates that this section of wall was intended not for military defense but
only to secure greater safety to border police. Where the wall descended closer
to the river its brushwood layers had completely decayed. Searching back west
Stein found the wall formed by the gravel mound straight to tower Txl a and 20
feet high.
Returning to the line to the east on the right bank in less than a half mile
they found the wall again where it passes between two low ridges at the
south-eastern end of the spur previously visited and described. They could
trace it clearly for 120 yards as a double embankment. The southern wall was 24
feet wide and 10 feet high, the northern wall was less wide and only 5-6 feet
high. They were about 44 feet apart. Further on the wall was lost in soft loess
near the river bed.
|
|
| |
Txlia
|
North of the Su-lo Ho and
well east of An-hsi. A few miles further on they found the remains of another
tower, Txlia on a wide terrace.
|
Stein had seen this one
in 1907 from the south side of the river and visited by Lal Singh that year. It
was built of layers of stamped clay and was 20 feet square at base. The
northern face had fallen and the rest split in two. With this evidence Stein
was assured that the Han wall was built close to the Su-lo Ho. But no trace of
the wall was found in the thick vegetation.
|
|
| |
Txlib
|
They did find another tower high
above a bend in the Su-lo Ho near where the river changes from flowing north
out of the Nan-shan to west through the valley to Lop.
|
This was numbered Txlib.
It was of layers of stamped clay and still rose to 29 feet on a base of 20 feet
square. By use of ropes and the foot holes built into it one of the men reached
the top where he found a wooden spoon and some other fragments. There was
plenty of Han pottery around the base. There was an enclosure some 27 feet
along the northern side and had joined the tower on the west side.
|
|
| |
Txlic
|
Another two miles east of
Txlib on a terrace near the Su-lo Ho on its right bank.
|
Txlic was another terrace
which had been converted into a tower by simply cutting and digging out the
clay on four sides. This also was 20 feet square and 21 feet high. There were
many Han potsherds all around. The 10 feet high wall itself passed around the
west, north and east sides of this natural clay tower at a distance of 32 - 36
feet.
|
|
| |
Txlid, Txlie, Txlif,
Txlig
|
Further east from Txlic
along the right bank of the Su-lo Ho
|
Another tower, Txlid,
was found only another mile and half east. This one of stamped clay was only 30
yards from the river bank. Wind erosion had cut down the northern foot. The
remaining tower still had a height of 28 feet. After another mile and half
across the wind-eroded clay plain between the river and ridge they found
another rocky ridge jutting out toward the river. On a small hillock some 30-40
feet high there were remains of another watch tower, but only the base of about
2-3 feet high remained. But the refuse did contain Han dated remains. After
another mile they came to tower T xlif. This was on the top of a detached hill
about 150 feet above the river level. This one had a loop-holed parapet but was
clearly Han era, although enlarged to the east, south and west by additional
masonry. In this the bricks were set vertically in Kan-su style The original
tower was solid with bricks of 15 x 10 x 4 inches and reed layers between the
courses at 3 feet 6 inch intervals. The base was 24 feet square. The added
later masonry of bricks 14 x 6.5 x 3 inches increased the size to 32 feet
square. The height was 32 feet. There were the usual foot-holes on the southern
face. The tower commands an excellent view along the river to east and west. A
careful search all around found rubbish about 20 feet down the slope and 2 feet
thick. Many remains were retrieved as shown in Stein's included listing. There
was a small enclosure (Txlig) at the foot of the hill. But the refuse in it
showed it was modern.
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Txlih, Txli i
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Further east along the
north - right - bank of the Su-lo Ho
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Further to the east Stein
found remains of the wall again. But it soon disappeared likely due to wind
erosion. Again, further yet, they did find another section of decayed wall
further north a mile away from the river. And there they also found another
tower, Txlih. But there was not much in or around it. Before even reaching
tower Txli h Stein saw the ruined walls of a small fortified town destroyed in
the Tungan rebellion. Further along the wall Stein found the point at which the
caravan route to Hami crossed, about 350 yards northwest of the fortress. There
he saw a row of five small stupas north of the wall and another group of three
south of the wall. Stein remarks that he continually drew attention to the
Chinese practice of establishing shrines at places where trade routes crossed a
wall. The spot were the caravan route to Hami was exactly half way between
towers Txlih and Txli i, each a mile west or east respectively. At those
distances, Stein guesses that originally there would have been a tower with
gate at the crossing point. He presumed that the garrison for the fort was
established in the early 18th century. He presumed that this location was
selected as the best to which supplies could be delivered from
Su-chou.
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Txli j, Txlik, Txli l,
Txli m, Txlin, Txlio,
Txlip
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Another mile further east
along the right bank of the Su-lo Ho to the first of these and then continuing
east.
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Another mile on he found
another watch post with walls 3 feet thick of bricks 14 x 9 x 3 inches. More
relics were retrieved there. The low mound of the wall continued for more miles
eastward. There was another tower, Txli j at a mile and another, Txli jj after
a further mile. There and further eastward wind erosion had nearly destroyed
both wall and towers. After four miles they found another ruined remains of a
watch post Txli k. Another mile of mound (wall) was passed to reach tower, Txli
l. At this one Stein found several small brick stupas Beyond this tower the
wall was again lost on the hard clay surface. They found a tower, Txli m
further south of the expected line but determined that it was a much later
construction. Stein and team turned south to regain the river where it makes is
90 degree bend from north to west. There they found a tower Txli n of stamped
clay 12 feet square where the caravans halt at a village called Ma-ku-t'an.
From there they turned back northeast to reach another tower on the Han wall
line. This was Txli o (fig 212). It was constructed of stamped clay on a base
32 feet square. It was about 50 yards north of the Han wall. Another tower Txli
p was seen to the northeast on rising ground.
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Txlir
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Three miles south east
from Txli o
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Stein followed the wall
line to the southeast from Txli o. They found sections as high as 5-6 feet in
three places a quarter mile apart. After 3 miles they reached tower Txli r
built of bricks 14 x 9 x 7 inches. Next to it was a guard room only 6 feet
square.
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Txliia to Txliib
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South east from Txli r
near the village Shih-erh-tun along the ridges of the Pei-shan and overlooking
the Su-lo Ho and on a rocky hill.
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From Txli r Stein
continued on across soft ground liable for flooding. After another mile and
half they found a low rocky ridge on which were towers Txlii a to d above the
village, Shih-erh-tun. Stein found the remains of the Han wall continued along
a succession of low narrow ridges of the Pei-shan range overlooking the Su-lo
river valley. About 300 yards along the ridges he found Txlii a. It was on a
small rocky hill about a furlong south of the rampart itself and at a height of
50 feet above the plain. It commanded like towers Txlii b to d stretched
eastwards. The tower was of stamped clay with thin layers of reeds between each
layer. It was in great decay and was only 10 feet high.
For another 3/4 mile the wall went towards another rocky hill where they was a
completely decayed clay mount about 12 feet high that was tower T xlii b. They
found lots of Han pottery there and a Wu-chu coin
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Txlii, Txxliiv, Txliib,
Txliia, Txlid
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Plans for watch stations Txlii, Txxliiv,
Txliib, Txliia, Txlid, at the Han Dynasty wall
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Txliic, Txliid
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On the section of the Han wall
north of the Su-lo Ho and on the southern spurs of the Pei-shan.
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From tower Txlii b which
was directly behind the remains of the wall, the wall was traced clearly for
another mile across stony ground but was then lost eastwards in a belt of sandy
soil. Layers of brushwood were exposed along the sides of the wall. The rampart
nowhere more than 4 - 5 feet high was about 14 feet wide on top. This section
of Han wall was guarded by two towers, Txlii c and Tlii d. Tower t xlii c was
made of stamped clay with reinforcing layers of reeds. It was 20 feet square
plus later additions and 14 feet high. The west face additions had fallen away.
And directly south of the wall was the remains of a small fort.. Stein makes
special note of the two towers being so close together, deciding that the view
from Txlii d was blocked. Tower Txlii d had been repeatedly repaired and added
to. (fig 216 in which it is behind the small fort). It was 33 feet square at
base counting the additions. It was 13 feet high. There were 5 small, new
P'ao-tas along the ridge to the east. On a rocky terrace some 30 feet below
Txlii d was the small fort enclosure. This was 58 feet from east to west inside
and 46 feet across. The walls were 18 feet high excluding the parapet of bricks
measuring 12 x 8 x 4 inches and probably of later construction. A large section
of the west wall was fallen. Its massive walls and location showed its
antiquity. (plan 14). The plan shows the route leading from the village toward
Txli o and on toward Hami passes close below this small fort and so does the
route that leads to Ch'iao-wan-ch'eng. The village no doubt was the last
cultivated spot before the caravan route to Hami crossed the desert the
location of a defensive fort to serve as a 'gate' is logical. The fort was
known as "Hsiao-fang-p'anor the small protective camp."
Moreover, there is a typical small shrine at the junction of the two caravan
routes near the wall.
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Txliie to Txliij
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On the Han wall section
east of Shih-erh-tun - a mile north of the caravan route to Su-chou.
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Stein continued east from
Shih-erh-tun. Only a half mile on from tower Txlii d the wall was lost on low
ground in reeds. They continued in the same direction towards Txlii e a tower
visible from the village and came again to the wall making a straight line of
reed fascines. Near tower Txlii that was about 2 miles further the wall rose to
a height of 6 feet. From there on east it remained clearly visible for 12 more
miles. Across this distance the wall was built of alternate layers of reed
fascines and stamped clay. . Along that stretch they found towers Txllii e to j
all of similar original construction and also showing later additions and
repairs. The caravan route to Su-chou is only a mile south of the wall. They
were built of stamped clay and are from 22 to 28 feet square at the base. The
heights vary between 18 and 25 feet including brick parapets of later
construction. Each tower now is on the north-western or north-eastern corner of
a later walled enclosure (tower Txlii f in fig 214). The enclosures are also
built of stamped clay 3.25 to 4 feet thick but less solid than the towers. They
form enclosures of 60 - 62 feet. They showed wind erosion on their western
sides.
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Han wall east of
Shih-erh-tun - with unnumbered tower
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The section of the Han
wall northeast of Su-chou
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Beyond Txlii j the wall
could be seen for about another mile but then disappeared in a depression. From
there they turned southeast to reach a well. Across the depression and on
another high ridge they found a large conical tower about 200 feet above the
marsh. This was built of layers of clay reinforced with large trunks of poplar
and was 33 feet square at the base. At 12 feet the top had a small look-out
platform. The tower had a very fine view to the north and northwest.
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Txliii - Another part of
the Han wall further east
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Located on a wide plateau
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Stein rode with Lal Singh
and a few helpers to the north to search for the wall. They found so much that
it took two days to collect it all. They found the wall across a wide plateau
trending from west-north-west to east-south-east. In parts it was eroded by
wind. But there were many segments that still rose nearly intact to height of
6-7 feet. It was built of alternate layers of stamped clay and fascines, each 8
to 10 inches thick. The clay layers were very hard. The wall was about 5 feet
wide at the top. With the wall itself so well preserved Stein was glad to find
also other remains. The first tower, Txliii a was decayed to a mound but had
many potsherds around and from a refuse heap they found wooden slips inscribed
in Chinese.
Plate from Stein's book - Innermostasia - Plans for watch
stations Txliii, Txxiiiu, Txlib, Txlia, Txliid, at the Han Dynasty
wall
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Txliii b - Txliii c -
Txliii d - Txliii e - Txliii f - Txliii g - Txliii h, Txliii i - Txliii
j.
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A section along the Han
wall further east toward Su-chou
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Another half mile to the
south-east they found the remains of a potter's kiln. Another half mile on they
found tower T xliii b (fig 223). It was 11 feet high, built of bricks 15 x 8 x
5 inches and was 16 feet square at the base. It had been enlarged to 20 feet
wide but the outer brick casing had fallen away revealing the original white
plaster on the wall. The next two towers, T xliii c and d were only mounds. At
Txliii d there was a row of eight low mounds as spacing of 30 - 50 yards.
Another mile further there was another tower Txliii e now only a mound about 15
feet high and 22 yards across of layers of clay and brushwood. Another mile
they came to the mound of tower Txliii f were the wall turned to due east. The
wall could be seen for another mile as a clay bank 3-4 feet high. Then the line
of the wall disappeared for 3 miles where they found a low mound with tower T
xliii g only 5 feet high. They could not see any wall further on but found
tower Txliii h on a hill about 30 feet high and 50 feet in diameter. A section
of wall was there. From there then found tower Txliii j further east
Photo 214 from Stein's book - Innermostasia-
Extremely poor photography on my part results in blur - but it still gives some
idea of the tower - watch tower Txliif on the Han Dynasty wall east of
Shih-erh-tun. Note that Stein always uses the Roman term "limes" due
to his classical education and his recognition that the whole nexus of the Han
wall was so similar to typical Roman lines in North Africa, Middle East and
even along the Danube.
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Txliii g - Txliii h -
Txliii i - Txliii j
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Continuation of the same
section of wall and towers.
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At tower Txliii h they
found 16 more Chinese records and other items. Two documents were dated 39 BC
and 13 AD. They continued to towers Txliii g and Txliii i about a mile apart
with Txliii h between them. But they could find no trace of the wall itself by
the two western ones. At Txliii i on a hill the wall appeared. Nine more
Chinese records were found. Beyond that tower the wall again was 5-6 feet high
(fig 220). Another mile on a mound south of the wall was the remains of tower
Txliii j. Only the east wall remained.
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Txliii k - Txliii l -
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Continuation toward the east
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The next tower to the
east, Txliii k, was a half mile further. Originally of stamped clay and reeds,
it had decayed to a mound. At that tower the wall was in good repair and its
line changed direction to east-north-east. The next tower, Txliii l was 24 feet
high (fig 221). It also had been repaired and added to later. There was also a
later enclosure. This wall was formed of stamped clay 4 feet thick and on the
south face remained at 10- feet high. As so often the west face was completely
eroded. While built during the Han dynasty as part of the entire wall, this
post remained in use into medieval times. Northwest of Txliii l at a distance
of 40 yards there were the foundations of four small buildings constructed
against the wall. They were 13 feet north to south and at intervals of 18 feet.
Perhaps these were shelters for the guards. Beyond tower Txliii l the wall was
seen to the east for half a mile.
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Txliv a - Txliv
e
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The Limes traced
East of Hu-hai-tzu east - south east toward Su-chou
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Stein left camp at the
springs of Hsiao-ch'uan-tzu headed east-south-east along the caravan route to
Su-chou. Lal Singh found the wall about 8 miles north and Stein found it with
towers to the northeast. The northernmost tower was T xliv a about 5 miles
north of their camp. Then they found the wall about 5 miles further north amid
a mass of tamarisk cones. (fig 219) The wall was only a low mound in drift sand
but was 9 feet wide and still 4 feet high. It was composed only of bundles of
wood. The wall disappeared again toward the east and west under sand dunes. It
appeared again several more miles to the west where it was 10 feet high and 6.5
feet wide (fig 218). Here also it was built only of bundles of tamarisk wood.
They found no more towers along that section. Stein believed the construction
was due to lack of water. And subsequent guards would have been stationed at
posts further south. To the east they later managed to trace the wall for 45
miles clear to the Pei-ta-ho river. Leaving the wall to return south for four
miles they found another mound about 70 feet long and 35 wide. There was an
enclosure some 94 yards square built of brushwood bundles (Txliv e, plan 16).
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Txliv a - Txliv
b
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Near Han wall east of
Hu-hai-tzu
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Returning to discuss
tower Txliv a Stein notes again that it was the northern most tower in this
section and was distinct from the wall. It was 32 feet square at the base and
14 feet high, built on a low plateau of gravel. It was built of layers of clay
6-7 inches thick and brushwood layers between. There was a small structure on
the east side. Less than 3 miles to the south-east they found tower Txliv b
(fig 222). It was 21 feet high and 27 feet square. There was little wind
erosion. The top of the tower was covered with straw and refuse.
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Txliv c - Txliv
d
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A mile and half further
south east
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Continuing south east for
another mile and half they found the decayed post with foundations of a clay
tower Txliv c about 16 feet square with a room next to it. The southern wall
alone of the room survived to a height of 3 feet of bricks 15 x 8 x 4 inches.
The refuse contained three Chinese records on wood and a bronze arrow head. A
fourth watch tower, Txliv d was seen about 3 miles to the south east. It was of
bricks in decent preservation 16 feet square and 14 feet high. There was a
guard room on top with walls 3 feet high.
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Txliv f
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Half way between Txliv c
and Ko-ta-ch'uan-tzu - These were the last towers Stein found while enroute to
Su-chou
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They found another tower,
Txliv f about 16 feet square and 8 feet high about half way between Txliv c and
the well at Ko-ta-ch'uan-tzu. It was built of bricks 10 x 7 x 4 inches - that
is different from the usual size and possibly of later date. It was out of the
straight line between towers Txliv a to d. Clearly the four watch towers were
built during the time of the Han wall but they were located rather far from the
line of the wall as found by Stein. Stein guessed that either these were to
protect the route between Su-chou and the wall or were built so far back due to
lack of water along the wall itself. Stein was unable to trace the wall between
the section described here and a section further east by towers Txlv a to h
near the Pei-t-ho river.
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Txlvi a - Txlvi b - Txlvi
c - Txlvi d - Txlvi f - Txlvi g - Txlvi h - Txlvi i - Txlvi k - Txlvi
l
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A continuation of the
general line of the Han wall toward the east with Txlvi k near the road between
Chin-t'a and Mao-mei - Stein found these on his way back from Su-chou - hence
the gap in numbering as we skip the towers he found around Su-chou
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Tower Txlvi a was further
east on a rocky hill 30 yards south of the wall. This one was built of stamped
clay and brushwood 16 feet square and still 9 feet high. Continuing east for a
mile he found tower Txlvi b on another hill - it was but two heaps of stone.
Another mile and half along the mound that was the wall on another rocky ridge
60 feet high they found tower Txlvi c composed of stone walls. Tower Txlvi d
was found on another ridge a mile further on. This one was a decayed mound 18
by 7 feet and only 4 feet high. The remaining bricks were 17 x 8 x 4 inches.
Beyond these ridges the wall mound only 4 to 8 feet high crossed an open gravel
Sai to the south-east. Riding another 3.5 miles Stein found traces of a watch
post Txlvi f with much Han pottery. Post Txlvi g was a mound another mile east.
But it was adjoined by an enclosure 57 feet by 79 feet., Those walls also were
only mounds of layers of gravel and brushwood. Further on was tower Txlvi h.
This was built of bricks 13 x 7.5 x 4 inches with reeds between the courses. It
had collapsed but had measured 16 feet square. There also were quarters with
brick walls 24 by 16 feet. Continuing east Stein found three more towers at
mile intervals. Txlvi i was the same as Txlvi h, but had been repaired to a
height of 12 feet. The next tower, Txlvi k, was near the road between Chin-t'a
and Mao-mei and appeared modern. Stein saw that the Han wall trace continued
east but had to quit in order to reach Mao-mei by nightfall. However he at
least caught sight of another more modern tower Txlvi l further east. Stein
followed the cart track then for 12 miles and crossed the Kan-chou river to
reach the walls of Mao-mei.
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Txlviii a - Txlviii
b
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Across the Etsin gol near
Mao-mei
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Stein crossed the
Etsin-gol river to the west - left -bank. The river was over a mile wide
indicating its volume during annual floods but held only a few pools in May. He
could not find traces of the wall near the river, but eventually found a tower
Txlviii a on a spur 80 feet above the terrain and there could detect the line
of the wall. It was only a low mound on a bearing of N. 40 degrees E. but
turned at the tower to N. 58 degrees E. The tower was broken to a height of
only 9 feet but was 24 feet square at the base. The bricks were 14 x 8 x 5
inches. The next tower on a steep ridge, Txlviii b, was 4 miles away. ( fig
225). It was a solid tower of stamped clay 20 feet square at the base and
tapering to 24 feet high. There the wall line changed direction to N. 83
degrees E. toward the left bank of a river
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Txlviiic - Txlviii e -
Txlviiid
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On both sides of the
Etsin gol north of Mao-mei - where the Han wall crossed the river just north of
the oasis.
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Stein saw that either in
Han era or later the governments had expanded the defenses at the Etsin-gol and
made them more powerful than the simple Han wall. about 4 miles further from
Txlviii b he found a massive fort at Txlviii c. It was similar to the
"Jade Gate' at Txiv. It was 32 feet square inside walls of stamped clay
that were 20 feet thick and over 30 feet high. The relics found were from
ancient and medieval eras. A mile north of Ta-wan there was a large walled
enclosure about 220 yards square, Txlviii e (fig 228), close to the left bank
of the river. The walls were of stamped clay 18 feet thick and 18 feet high
with large square bastions in the corners. It there were several ruined
buildings inside including a temple. A mile southeast of this ruin on the river
right bank was Txlviii d called by the Mongols Taralinginduruljin. This fort
measured 250 by 185 feet with stamped clay walls 12 feet thick and 25 feet high
in places. It had one large square bastion on the southwest corner and a
smaller one part way on the western wall. The gate in the eastern wall was
protected by two massive flanking towers and an outer enclosure. Then there was
a much larger enclosure 700 by 500 feet long to the east and north (see
diagram. Those walls were only 5-6 feet thick. They had towers in the corner
and along the length. Inside the inner fort were two small buildings. Stein
guessed the fort might date originally to pre-T'ang and then post Tibetan eras
around 750 AD.
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Txlviii f
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Near the Etsin gol north
of Mao-mei found on the way north along the river
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Two miles further on they
found another watch tower , Txlviii f, on a low ridge commanding a far view of
the river plain. I was the same as the others, 20 feet square and tapering to
22 feet high. The bricks were 14 x 8 x 5 inches. .The forts back at Ta-wan were
visible from this tower. It must have been a forward look out post. Stein noted
that on the opposite side of the river he could see another fort called
Ulan-duruljin. He continued north across a bare gravel plain.
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Txlviii b - Txlviii
g
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Stein found Txlviii g on
his return from Kara-khoto going south along the Etsin-gol and stopped again at
Txlviiib
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They passed the ruined
forts at Arun-takhai and Tara-lingin examined during the previous march north.
He noted tower T xlviii b where the Han wall hits the left bank of the river.
He found a series of 5 ruined watch towers in a line northeast from the right
bank near the fort Ulan-duruljin on a rising ridge He visited the southern most
of these, Tower Txlviii g, built of bricks 14 x 8 x 6 inches with layers of
reeds between each third course.
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Txlv a - Txlv b - Txlv c - Txlv d
- Txlv e - Txlv f - and Txlv g
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These were the last
towers associated with the Han dynasty wall that Stein found while starting
north west from Mao-mei.
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They crossed the line
previously found of the Han wall west of Mao-mei. They found two additional
towers, Txlv a and Txlv b. made of stamped clay and layers of tamarisk. The
following day they found towers Txlv c , d, and e on the same line. Immediately
they found yet two more towers, Txlv f and g.
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