The Two-Note Bells of Marquis Yi
In a 2,400-year-old tomb in China, archaeologists found 65 bronze bells, each of which plays two different notes.
What was reported
In 1978, soldiers levelling a hill near Suizhou in Hubei province uncovered the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, a ruler who died around 433 BCE. Inside was a complete set of 65 bronze bells hanging from a wooden frame, along with other instruments.
When musicians struck the bells, they found that each one produced two distinct notes, depending on where it was hit, and that the whole set could still play music.
Explanations offered
The secret is the bells' almond-shaped cross-section, rather than round, which lets each bell vibrate in two different ways. It shows remarkable knowledge of acoustics and metalworking in ancient China. The bells are now in the Hubei Provincial Museum.
- When
- Made about 2,400 years ago; found in 1978
- Where
- Suizhou, Hubei, China
- Witnesses
- Archaeologists and musicians
- Status
- Explained
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