Thornby Grove Earthwork
Middle Bronze Age (2100–1550 BCE)·Middle Bronze Age·🇨🇳 Henan, China
About
About Thornby Grove Earthwork
Thornby Grove Earthwork in Henan, China is a Middle Bronze Age (2100–1550 BCE) earthwork attributed to Middle Bronze Age culture. Systematically investigated through ground-penetrating radar and test trenching, it presents a monumental core with hydraulic works. Construction employs cyclopean blocks and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Middle Bronze Age earthwork with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of monuments
- 02Cause of abandonment and collapse
Theories
- 01Elite residence and administrative centre
- 02Trading entrepôt and regional hub
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1949 BCE
- Period
- Middle Bronze Age (2100–1550 BCE)
- Culture
- Middle Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Agricultural and hydraulic
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 1949 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 946 BCE
Architectural refurbishment
c. 181 CE
Reoccupation and adaptation
1851
Rediscovery and systematic excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
35.5517° N · 113.2522° E · 1560 m · 3 mapped features
Ancillary Complex
granaryBurial zone — rock-cut chambers
35.5489° N · 113.2536° EAltar
gatewayBurial zone — tumuli
35.5504° N · 113.2538° EReservoir/Cistern
necropolisHydraulic feature — canal
35.5510° N · 113.2551° E