Imagine uncovering a 2,000-year-old family letter, not on paper, but on wooden slips, written by soldiers on the front lines of a war that shaped Chinese history. That’s exactly what archaeologists found in 1975 in Hubei Province, China—two wooden tablets filled with heartfelt messages from Qin soldiers to their family. These letters, now housed in the Hubei Provincial Museum, provide an extraordinary glimpse into daily life, military service, and the strict discipline of the Qin dynasty.
Buried in Bamboo: A Scholar’s Grave of Laws and Life
In a remote burial site known as the Sleeping Tiger Land Qin Tomb (睡虎地秦墓), archaeologists discovered a coffin submerged in groundwater for centuries. Instead of gold or jade, the deceased was buried with hundreds of bamboo slips—ancient Chinese books before the invention of paper. Even his head, hands, and feet rested on these wooden texts. Most of them contained Qin dynasty legal codes, but among them, researchers found a personal biography. The name inscribed? “Xi” (喜), the tomb’s owner.
A Humble Tomb, A Priceless Discovery
Not far from Xi’s elaborate grave lay a much simpler tomb. It belonged to an ordinary man, likely a foot soldier, yet it contained something priceless—two wooden letters. Scholars identified them as the oldest surviving family letters in China, dating back to the late Warring States period (475–221 BCE).
Who wrote these letters? Two brothers, Hei Fu (黑夫) and Jing (惊), who were serving in the Qin army. Their eldest brother, Zhong (衷), stayed home to care for their mother. These letters, written in a script more than two millennia old, carry the voices of worried sons and battle-hardened soldiers.
War and Duty: A Soldier’s Words from the Battlefield
One letter describes their deployment in the Battle of Huaiyang (淮阳之战) during Qin’s conquest of Chu. The brothers wrote:
“We are about to march on Huaiyang, but we don’t know how long the battle will last or what will happen.”
This battle, part of Qin’s final campaign to unify China, was led by the legendary general Wang Jian (王翦). The Qin army, known for its iron discipline, strategic patience, and overwhelming force, eventually crushed Chu resistance. However, the letters show that the war was far from easy, even for the invincible Qin troops.
Meritocracy or Military Machine? The Qin Reward System
Another fascinating detail in the letters is the brothers’ concern over their military rank and rewards:
“Please let me know if the government has sent our family the official documents for our titles.”
Unlike other states where soldiers were paid in silver, Qin had a unique military merit system. A soldier who killed an armored enemy (甲士) earned a noble title (公士), along with land and servants. However, the system was strict—soldiers had to fight as a unit, and desertion or failure to perform could bring severe punishment, even execution.
This rigid structure made the Qin army an unstoppable force. It also explains why the brothers were so anxious about their rewards—they weren’t just fighting for survival, but for their family’s future.
Weapons of Conquest: The Qin Army’s Arsenal
The Qin army didn’t just rely on discipline; they had the best weapons of their time:
- Qin Bronze Swords: Extraordinarily long and sharp, these swords were designed for precision thrusting.
- Crossbows (Qin Nu, 秦弩): Capable of shooting 300 meters, the Qin crossbow had a deadly advantage over enemy archers.
- Pikes (Qin Pi, 秦铍): Mounted on long poles, these stabbing weapons allowed Qin soldiers to fight in tight formations.
- Repeating Crossbow Carts: These could fire multiple arrows rapidly, devastating enemy ranks.
Each weapon was standardized and mass-produced, thanks to Qin’s state-controlled military industry. The government even implemented a strict quality control system—if a weapon failed in battle, its creator could be held accountable.
A Letter Home: War, Family, and the Cost of Conquest
One of the most touching parts of the letters is not about war, but about daily survival:
“Mother, please send us some money and summer clothes. If fabric is too expensive, just send the money—we’ll buy it ourselves.”
Even the mighty Qin army had logistical challenges. Soldiers were provided with weapons, but personal clothing and minor expenses were their own responsibility. Hei Fu’s simple request reveals the harsh reality of military life: while fighting for an empire, he still worried about having enough clothes to wear.
Legacy of the Qin: A Military Empire Built to Last
These letters, buried for over 2,000 years, remind us that history isn’t just about kings and battles—it’s also about ordinary people. The Qin dynasty’s strict legalism and military efficiency may have won wars, but it also placed immense pressure on its citizens. Soldiers like Hei Fu and Jing weren’t just warriors; they were sons, brothers, and men struggling with the same concerns as any soldier throughout history.
Though the Qin dynasty itself lasted only 15 years, its military and bureaucratic innovations shaped China for centuries. And thanks to two wooden letters, we now have a deeply personal window into the lives of the men who built an empire.