Beacon excavation sheds light on ancient garrison life

Judging from the bills, letters and books unearthed, experts conclude that the soldiers were mostly from what is now the northern and northwestern parts of China.

"It may have taken them several months to arrive at the garrison site from their hometown," Hu says.

Literary works such as The Classic of Filial Piety were also found among the paper documents, which Hu says contributed to the cultural spread to the western regions.

Another pastime of the soldiers was dice games. Archaeologists unearthed three dices, one of which is pottery and the other two made of bone.

"The excavation of the Kiyakkuduk beacon tower ruins not only helps us better learn about garrison life and the military management system at the border in the Tang Dynasty, but also proves the Tang government's effective control over the western regions," Hu says.