In the winter of 1975, workers in Yunmeng County were excavating a new drainage canal when they made an astonishing discovery: a batch of ancient tombs. But it was Tomb 11 that truly stunned archaeologists. As the lid of the coffin was carefully moved, the scene inside left everyone speechless. Bundles of bamboo slips, carefully arranged around the deceased’s body, filled the space around the head, shoulder, and side.

Bamboo slips were rare, and most burial items typically included valuable personal possessions, like gold, silver, or jade. But this tomb contained an abundance of bamboo slips, underscoring their extraordinary value. These slips had been soaked in water for over two thousand years, making them incredibly delicate. With the clock ticking, the archaeological team decided to transport the entire coffin to the Yunmeng County Cultural Museum for careful restoration.

What they didn’t know at the time was that these bamboo slips contained writings never seen before, not even by Sima Qian, the historian behind Records of the Grand Historian. These writings held the key to understanding why the Qin dynasty succeeded in unifying China—a mystery that had puzzled historians for centuries.

Unlocking the Secrets of Qin Law

The bamboo slips, once deciphered by archaeologists, revealed detailed records of the Qin dynasty’s laws, including the Field Law, Qin Law 18 Types, Efficiency Law, and many others. Some of these laws were more sophisticated than even modern legal systems. For example, the Field Law taught citizens how to cultivate crops effectively. Rice, barley, and beans had precise planting standards, ensuring food production was optimized for the state.

There were also laws regulating the care of livestock. For instance, if a farmer’s cattle died due to poor management—specifically if three cows died in one year, or if six out of ten adult cows didn’t produce calves—the responsible official would be punished. These laws ensured that agriculture, which was the backbone of Qin’s military and economic power, was meticulously maintained.

In fact, many laws from the Qin period would resonate with today’s society. There were strict regulations against neglecting to assist someone in danger in public, imposing fines on those who did not intervene. Similarly, builders who cut corners on construction were to be punished, as were government officials who allowed such practices. These laws reflect an organized, structured society, keen on fairness and accountability.

Environmental Protection: A Thousand-Year-Old Law

Perhaps most surprisingly, the Qin laws also included rules for environmental conservation. According to the Field Law, it was forbidden to cut down trees in the spring, block river paths, or harm young animals or eggs. These regulations reflect a deep awareness of environmental preservation and the importance of maintaining ecological balance, long before modern environmental movements began.

These bamboo slips offer a window into the Qin dynasty’s society, reflecting not only the political and military power of the time but also its commitment to law, order, and the natural world.

The Life and Legacy of a Small Official: “Xi”

One of the most fascinating artifacts uncovered was a bamboo slip chronicle known as the Chronicles. This book, found near the head of the deceased, told the life story of a man named “Xi,” a minor official in the Qin dynasty. Spanning 90 years, from 306 BCE to 217 BCE, this document mixed personal milestones with historical events, such as military victories and political changes. It was Xi’s personal reflection on his life, intertwined with the rise of the Qin dynasty.

Xi’s life was unremarkable in terms of military feats or high-profile positions. He spent much of his career transcribing legal documents, a task that he took so seriously that he continued it even after his death. The bamboo slips he had meticulously copied were buried with him, alongside his personal reflections, illustrating his devotion to the Qin state.

A Glimpse into the Past: The Power of Archaeology

The discovery of Xi’s Chronicles offers us a rare glimpse into the daily lives of common people during the Qin dynasty. Xi may not have been a general or a noble, but his role as a low-ranking official was crucial to the functioning of the empire. His story, and the legal texts he worked with, reflect a society built on order, discipline, and a respect for both law and nature.

The meticulous care of these bamboo slips contrasts sharply with the behavior of tomb robbers, who would likely have destroyed or stolen anything of value, never considering the historical significance of such objects. In contrast, archaeologists uncover and preserve these artifacts to help us understand the complexities of ancient life.

In fact, many other stories from ordinary people have been uncovered in similar excavations. Nearby Xi’s tomb, archaeologists found a set of wooden tablets written by a man named Zhong, a common soldier. These letters, sent by his brothers on the battlefield, reveal the personal struggles of soldiers during the Warring States period. They speak of familial love, the hardships of war, and the hopes for a better life—reminding us that the lives of everyday people are just as significant in the grand tapestry of history.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Qin Dynasty

Through the bamboo slips of Shuikoudi, we can now understand more deeply the laws, daily life, and culture of the Qin dynasty. The careful preservation of these artifacts allows us to step into the shoes of people like Xi, who played their parts in the rise of one of China’s most powerful empires. Their stories, though once lost to time, now serve as a reminder of how the past continues to shape our present.

While tomb robbers may have sought only gold and jewels, archaeologists are dedicated to uncovering the true treasures of history—stories that tell us who we were, and who we might still become.