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Dannie Peng

Chinese archaeologists have started work on a joint excavation project at a site in Greece that may help answer some increasingly popular questions in China about the roots of ancient civilisations.
Most global histories are written by European and American scholars. As China’s national power grows, scepticism within the country towards historical narratives shaped by Western perspectives is increasing.
Much of this debate is based on second-hand information rather than primary evidence, however, because archaeologists in China have long been confined to working within its borders.
But that has changed in recent years. Backed by strong government support, they have begun going abroad and collaborating with local experts to excavate ancient sites in Central Asia, South America and Egypt.
The latest study in Greece marks the first time China has taken part in on-site excavations at the heart of an ancient Western civilisation, representing a significant milestone.
According to an article posted last week on Chinese Social Sciences Net, a web portal of the Chinese Social Sciences Academy: “For a long time, Chinese academic research on ancient Greek civilisation has relied heavily on existing texts, museum collections and archaeological materials compiled and published by Western scholars.”

The article added that the Chinese-Greek archaeological team had officially begun excavating the Angelokastro site in Aetolia-Acarnania in western Greece, the first time the two nations have collaborated on an excavation project.
“This will not only advance China’s research into classical studies, archaeology and ancient world civilisations, but also provide a new, practical way for China to participate in international civilisational research,” it said.
“Starting from the sites, remains and artefacts themselves, Chinese scholars will participate in collecting materials, asking questions, and producing knowledge about ancient Greek civilisation.”
The article also described the project as the first time that Chinese researchers would be able to “systematically obtain” first-hand field data from an ancient Greek site.
The project is being jointly carried out by the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Aetolia-Acarnania and Lefkada, and the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens (CSCSA) – the first institution of its kind to be established in Greece by a non-Western country.
The region held particular significance during the Hellenistic period – spanning from the death of Alexander the Great in 323BC to the Roman conquest of Egypt in 30BC – when the Aetolian League of city states dominated central Greece.
According to Li Xinwei, director of the CSCSA and leader of the Chinese team, the power bloc also played a key role in cultural exchanges across Eurasia.
“Chinese scholars will naturally develop their own perspectives to conduct multifaceted comparative research,” Li said, adding that the grid-like layout of the site would offer valuable insights into aspects of ancient Greek society such as urban design, public and ceremonial spaces and administrative facilities.
The core area of the site covers around 50,000 sq metres (540,000 sq ft). The land has been requisitioned by Greece’s culture ministry and the Greeks will also provide office space and storage facilities for artefacts. The Chinese are providing equipment and funding.

The local heritage authorities will also send archaeologists to provide technical and policy support for the project.
The Chinese team will make extensive use of advanced equipment, including high-precision devices that will be used to map the site, record artefacts and analyse materials.
Among these, a drone-based lidar system is a particular highlight. It can collect high-precision data on the excavation area and the surrounding terrain, helping archaeologists understand the relationship between the site and its roads, waterways, mountains and surrounding environment.
In addition, a high-resolution camera will be used to record details such as the texture of the objects uncovered and any traces of colour or decoration.
With the agreement of both project leaders, anything discovered will stay in Greece.
The initiative represents the first fieldwork project undertaken by the CSCSA since its establishment in November 2024.
Li said the team planned to excavate sites from different periods of Greek history to carry out “sustained, comprehensive research into the origins and development of ancient Greek civilisation”.
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Can China team’s Greek dig unveil an untold truth in ancient world history?

The Aetolia-Acarnania region in Greece held particular significance during the Hellenistic period when there were extensive cultural exchanges across Eurasia. Photo: Wikipedia 

A member of the Chinese archaeological research team adjusts a drone as part of the field work. Photo: Handout

Li Xinwei, director of the CSCSA and leader of the Chinese team, at the official launch of the project in Athens on April 24. Photo: Handout

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A joint archaeological project between Greece’s culture ministry and a Chinese team of researchers is breaking new ground


A joint archaeological project between Greece’s culture ministry and a Chinese team of researchers is breaking new ground.


History

Archaeology and palaeontology

Greece

Can China team’s Greek dig unveil an untold truth in ancient world history?

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}A joint archaeological project between Greece’s culture ministry and a Chinese team of researchers is breaking new ground

A joint archaeological project between Greece’s culture ministry and a Chinese team of researchers is breaking new ground