In a remarkable archaeological discovery, the seemingly ordinary school playground in Ningbo, China, has unveiled a hidden world of history. Beneath the surface lay the ruins of a 1,400-year-old settlement, complete with storage pits and thousands of valuable artifacts. This find offers a unique glimpse into the past, buried under the playground where schoolchildren once played.

The Institute of Archaeology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences unveiled this extraordinary discovery on October 10, 2023. The excavation, carried out during the preparations for a school construction project, revealed 65 pits, eight wells, and various ancient structures, all dating back over a millennium. These remnants paint a picture of a once-vibrant settlement.

Some of the coin stacks found under the playground. Photo from the Institute of Archaeology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

One of the most captivating aspects of this discovery is the collection of copper coins, totaling 2,478 in number. In one storage pit, archaeologists found 796 neatly stacked copper coins, each featuring square holes in the center, offering a visual representation of ancient currency. Another 1,682 coins were found in a nearby well. These coins, along with their manner of burial, suggest that they were hidden by residents as an emergency measure during a period of rebellion and famine in the sixth century A.D.

The acorns found in one of the storage pits. Photo from the Institute of Archaeology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

In addition to the coins, the excavation revealed well-preserved plant remains in one of the pits, including bamboo, gourds, peach pits, and a substantial quantity of acorns. This botanical evidence sheds light on the dietary habits and agricultural practices of the people who inhabited the area over a millennium ago.

Apart from the coins and plant remnants, the storage pits and wells contained a variety of artifacts, such as pottery fragments, tiles, altars, washbasins, and more. Among these treasures, archaeologists discovered two well-preserved lamps that were once part of a bronze chandelier. These lamps date back to the Han dynasty (206 B.C. to 220 A.D.) and the Six Dynasties period (220 A.D. to 589 A.D.), showcasing a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Two lamps, part of a bronze chandelier, found in a well. Photo from the Institute of Archaeology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Ningbo, located in Zhejiang province, has a history rich in significant archaeological discoveries, and this recent find adds another layer to its historical tapestry. As experts continue to analyze and interpret the significance of this discovery, the school playground in Ningbo has transformed into a place of historical intrigue. It provides a remarkable window into the lives of the people who once inhabited this settlement and the events that led them to bury their precious treasures in a time of desperation during a tumultuous period in history.

This discovery serves as a poignant reminder that history can often lie hidden just beneath our feet, waiting to be unearthed and shared with the world.