Today's ancient problem

Yet it's not just people of the past but also their tangible legacies that are at risk today, as contemporary weather threatens ancient cultural heritage sites' surviving remains, prompting archaeologists to explore solutions.

China's overall precipitation is increasing, and its extreme weather risks are intensifying, National Centre for Archaeology researcher Zhang Zhiguo says, citing reports by the Climate Change Center of the China Meteorological Administration and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

In 2021, for example, rainstorms lasting several days straight soaked parts of Shanxi, damaging 1,783 immovable cultural heritage relics in the province, says Zhang.

He says rainfall can cause erosion of surfaces, but sudden and excessive downpours can exceed drainage capacity, threatening or even destroying foundations.

"It's common that trees with expansive root systems spread all over a site, especially on the remains of city walls. When heavy rain causes these trees to fall, they often do so while clinging to chunks of the walls with their roots," Zhang says.

"So, we should clear out trees with extensive roots on earthen structures like city walls. Protective covers like tarps or rammed earth can also reduce damage. Also, drainage should be improved."

Altogether, 19 archaeological projects and studies were given awards at the forum, including the early monumental constructions at the Aguada Fenix site in Mexico; excavations of the early-stage Harappan cemetery dating from 3200 to 2600 BC in Gujarat, India; and discoveries at the Sanxingdui site in Guanghan, Sichuan province.