Liaocheng No.3 Middle School Archaeological Excavation Project Holding Public Archaeological Activities

In order to implement the policy of cultural relics work in the new era, promote cultural benefits to the people, and enable the public to share archaeological achievements, the archaeological team of Liaocheng No.3 Middle School held two public archaeological activities with the theme of "Entering the Archaeological Site and Touching the Historical Context of Liaocheng" from July to August 2024. This public archaeological activity is mainly aimed at the personnel of the underground parking lot project of Liaocheng No.3 Middle School and summer returning college students.

In May 2024, during the construction of the underground parking lot project at Liaocheng No.3 Middle School, an ancient tomb was discovered. Upon receiving the news, our institute immediately organized a team to conduct a salvage archaeological excavation on it. Given the large number of personnel involved in the construction of the underground parking lot at No.3 Middle School, in order to enhance the awareness of cultural relic protection among the construction units and promote a win-win situation between cultural relic protection and economic and social development, the archaeological team of No.3 Middle School held its first public archaeological activity on July 18th based on the actual situation on site. Tian Daochao introduced the excavation overview and main achievements of Tang Dynasty tombs in Liaocheng No.3 Middle School to the design, supervision, and construction personnel on site, and popularized the basic knowledge of cultural relic protection and archaeological excavation. After hearing this, the on-site personnel expressed that they had gained a lot, especially when they learned that the tomb dates back to the Tang Dynasty, more than a thousand years ago. They were very surprised by the advanced tomb construction techniques of the Tang Dynasty over a thousand years ago and admired the intelligence and wisdom of the ancients. There was also communication and interaction at the event site, and the attendees, especially the construction workers, actively asked questions. The archaeological team staff answered the relevant questions. On site personnel have expressed the great significance of archaeological work, as they can touch the historical context from inconspicuous bricks and tiles. They have decided to spread the relevant knowledge they have learned to their relatives and friends, and become participants in the dissemination of the history and culture of Liaocheng.

The excavation took place during the summer vacation, a time when many college students had returned to their hometowns. To promote students' understanding of their hometown and its history, as well as to strengthen their cultural confidence, the archaeological team held a special public archaeology event for college students on August 11. Tian Daochao introduced the students to the excavation overview of the Tang Dynasty tombs at Liaocheng No. 3 Middle School, placing these tombs within the broader context of Tang Dynasty tomb discoveries in the urban area of Liaocheng, highlighting the significance of the No. 3 Middle School tombs. During the Question&Answer session, the students engaged in lively discussions with the excavators on questions such as "Why did Northern Wei inscribed bricks appear in Tang Dynasty tombs?" and "What are the function and significance of the 'Door-Opening' motif?"

The Liaocheng No. 3 Middle School archaeological excavation project uncovered a total of five Tang Dynasty tombs. The tombs were located at the bottom of a foundation pit approximately 5.5 meters below the surface. All were brick-chambered tombs, with shapes divided into circular and boat-shaped types. Among them, the circular tombs were imitations of wooden structures with brick carvings, decorated with motifs such as bracket sets, lattice windows, tables and chairs, and the "Door-Opening" motif. Over ten artifacts (or sets of artifacts) were unearthed, including plates, bowls, ewers, jars, copper coins, and inscribed tomb bricks. Preliminary analysis suggests that the tombs belong to a family cemetery, holding significant importance for the study of the historical and cultural heritage of Liaocheng.

In recent years, our institute has excavated a series of Tang Dynasty tombs in the urban area of Liaocheng, establishing a preliminary research framework for the Bozhou city of the Tang period. By organizing public archaeology activities, we have actively addressed societal concerns, enhanced public awareness of cultural heritage protection, and facilitated the sharing of the outcomes of archaeological research. These efforts aim to "bring cultural relics and heritage to life," playing a vital role in safeguarding historical and cultural legacies and preserving the continuity of historical narratives. This initiative holds significant value and profound importance for both heritage conservation and the transmission of historical heritage.