Ancient voices immortalized

Updated: 2025-10-18 09:38 ( HK edition )

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The 2,300-year-old manuscripts, comprising over 900 characters, are the earliest known examples of a classical Chinese book in the true sense, playing a crucial role in the study of ancient Chinese characters and historical documents. XINHUA

This volume discusses taboos and auspicious times for travel throughout the year, while Gongshou Zhan (Volume III) guides military actions by predicting the most advantageous times to launch attacks or defend cities, Yu explains.

Despite the promising discoveries, significant challenges remain in the conservation and research of the manuscripts.

Volumes II and III are in poorer condition compared to Volume I, being significantly more fragmented, with some pieces tightly folded and stuck together, says Liu Zhao, a professor of ancient texts and the director of the Center for Research on Chinese Excavated Classics and Paleography at Fudan University in Shanghai.

"The most critical task now is the scientific detachment of these fragments, ensuring no damage occurs, so that the hidden texts can be fully revealed," Liu says.