Archeologists Probe Identity of Occupant
Anhui, China - Archeologists in eastern China are uncovering clues that may identify the occupant of an elaborate 2,200-year-old tomb discovered in the Anhui province.
The massive tomb, dating back to the Warring States period, is the largest and most luxurious found from the Chu Kingdom. Experts speculate it could belong to King Kaolie of Chu, who reigned from 262 to 238 BC.
Clues and Historical Context
The tomb, known as the Wuwangdun Tomb, spans approximately 1.5 square meters. A comprehensive excavation is underway, with hopes of shedding light on its occupant's identity by the end of 2023, according to Gong Xicheng, a researcher at the Anhui Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology.
The Chu Kingdom, a powerful state during the Warring States period, controlled a vast territory along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Its existence spanned approximately 800 years, ending in 223 BC with the invasion by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who later unified China.
Historical Speculation
Among potential candidates, archeologists believe King Kaolie is a strong possibility. Born Xiong Huan, he ruled Chu for over 20 years. As a crown prince, he was sent to the Qin Kingdom as a hostage at age 17, where he spent a decade and married the Qin king's daughter before escaping back to Chu and assuming the throne.
In 241 BC, during the waning years of Chu, King Kaolie relocated the capital eastward to Shouxun, present-day Huainan, Anhui. Shouxun served as Chu's final capital, and the Wuwangdun Tomb is situated approximately 15 kilometers from the ancient city's site.
According to Chinese historical texts like Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian," King Kaolie had no sons. He was succeeded by Xiong Han, the son of an official.
Ongoing Research
Excavations and preservation efforts have been ongoing at the Wuwangdun Tomb since 2020. To date, archeologists have unearthed over 1,000 artifacts, including bronze vessels, lacquerware, wooden objects, musical instruments, and figurines. Inscriptions found within the tomb may also provide insights into the society and culture of late Warring States period Chu.