dūntái
- Scope note
- Duntai, meaning “mound” or “platform” (Kroll 2015, 96, 440), constitutes a high platform used to look out for the enemy and convey military signals. The front-most post in the beacon transmission system, duntai were mostly used along inland borders such as the Great Wall, as well as in seaside and riverside border defense. They were also constructed in military training grounds for military practice. Duntai were usually built on high ground and in open places and were spaced about two li (li=approximately ⅓ mile) apart. The duntai was also the place where “mound troops” (dunjun 墩軍) lived.
- Date of creation: 18-Nov-2024
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024