The Institute of Archeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) today announced the discovery of an important historical relic: O tomb of Emperor Xiaomin of the Northern Zhou dynasty.
Such a surprising discovery occurred during excavations near the airport expressway in the city of Xianyang in north-central China.
see more
Google Podcasts will be discontinued by 2024 and content will migrate to…
Disappearance of the USS Scorpion: the enigma the US Navy never…
Discovery details
(Photo: Anyang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archeology/Reproduction)
The tomb, identified as M655, turned out to be a significant archaeological landmark, providing valuable insights into the culture and history of 6th-century China.
With a 147 meter long trench, the tomb was oriented north-south, indicating a deep connection with the funerary traditions of the time.
The main chamber, situated at a depth of ten meters, contained an impressive collection of funerary offerings.
Among them, ceramic vases and figures representing warriors and cavalry units were located, along with enigmatic depictions of a camel and other creatures, helping to understand the burial practices of the Zhou dynasty From north.
(Photo: Chinese Academy of Social Sciences/Reproduction)
One particularly intriguing discovery was an epitaph stone with an inscription that, although loosely translated, references Yuwen Jue's birth name, Emperor Xiaomin.
The sentence reads as follows: “Renshen in October of the second year of the tomb of Gongyu Wenjue, lord of Lueyang, Zhou Dynasty.” The message provides a direct link to the Northern Zhou dynasty and its leadership.
Who was Emperor Xiaomin?
Emperor Xiaomin, whose birth name was Yuwen Jue, was a key part of the history of china between the years 557 and 581.
He was the founder of the Northern Zhou dynasty, a clan led by the Xianbei people. The Northern Zhou dynasty succeeded the Western Wei dynasty and was eventually overthrown by the Sui dynasty.
The discovery of Xiaomin's tomb is notable for being the second imperial tomb from the Northern Zhou dynasty to be found, after the tomb of Emperor Wu.
Such finds enrich our understanding of the history of China and the Northern Zhou dynasty, adding crucial pieces to the historical puzzle.
Archaeologists involved in the excavation are now working on more detailed analysis of the artifacts and the tomb, hoping that these findings can expand our knowledge about the life and times of Emperor Xiaomin and the Chinese Zhou dynasty. North.
