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.”