A variety of crop seeds, believed to have been planted more than 2,000 years ago, have been discovered by archaeologists in northwest China's Gansu Province.

He Shuangquan, a research fellow with the Gansu Provincial Relics and Archaeological Research Institute, said that the seeds of barley, wheat, millet, broom corn millet and bean were well-preserved and could be grown through proper cultivation.

Archaeologists also discovered seeds of clover, Chinese chive and garlic, as well as walnut seeds and apricot kernels at the Xuanquanzhi ruins of the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24BC), in Dunhuang, a scenic spot famous for grottos.

Inscribed bamboo pieces unearthed from the same site show that these crops were grown at that time. Bamboo pieces also record how local authorities managed the growing and use of these crops.

Archaeologists first discovered the Xuanquanzhi ruins in 1987, and launched a thorough excavation of the site between October 1990 and December 1992, unearthing a large number of relics such as wooden tablets, writing paper, and the remains of animals and plants.

Better understanding of evolution

Recent textual research shows that the site used to be a "post office" in ancient times, which was entitled to deliver mail, transmit orders, handle civil affairs and was also used as a place for receiving guests.

Residents included government officials, soldiers and civilians, according to experts.

He said that due to the dry climate in Dunhuang, the crop seeds were perfectly preserved and most were in good shape after losing moisture.

The seeds not only provide material for the study of botany, they could also be grown over again through special technologies, thus enabling modern people to have a better understanding of the evolution and development of crops over 2,000 years, said He.

( May 21, 2002)