Underground passages in the ruins of an ancient city found in China
Archaeologists have discovered a system of secret underground passages in the city of Houchengju in northern China. These tunnels were found during archaeological work in the Qingshuihe Autonomous Region of Inner Mongolia, about 300 miles west of Beijing.
UAportal, citing Heritagedaily, reports that the stone city of Houchengju was built approximately 4,300-4,500 years ago. The area of the ancient city is about 15 million square feet.
In total, the researchers found 6 intersecting tunnels from 5 to 20 feet deep, 3 to 6 feet high, and about 4 feet wide. It is noted that they could serve as a hidden transportation network.
According to archaeologists, the design of this stone city indicates the importance of its strategic location and role in military defense. Several of its tunnels ran under the city's defensive walls and led outward.
"This is a very important discovery because it shows that the city was protected not only by outer walls but also by a secret network of tunnels," said Liu Yang, an archaeologist with the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Institute.
Excavations are currently underway, and archaeologists hope to learn more about the ancient city and the purpose of the secret tunnels.