Stunning Luxury - Interpreting the Full City Han Tombs

Author: Dou Zhongru
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: An extremely discovery led to a groundbreaking event in Chinese archaeological history. The Manshan Cave Tombs of Mancang, located on Lingshan 1.5 kilometers southwest of Mancang County, Hebei Province, are the tombs of Liu Sheng, the Prince of Zhongshan during the Western Han Dynasty, and his wife Dou Wan. In May 1968, they were accidentally discovered by a unit of the Beijing Military Region Engineering Corps of the People's Liberation Army during national defense construction. Later, upon the approval of Premier Zhou Enlai, the renowned archaeologist Guo Moruo personally arrived for investigation and excavation, bringing them to light. The Manshan Cave Tombs were carved into the mountain, with a grand scale and rare worldwide, being the largest, most complex, and best-preserved cliffside tombs ever discovered in China. Over 10,000 artifacts were unearthed from the tombs, including the world-famous "Golden-inlaid Jade Suit," the "Changxin Palace Lamp," and the "Zhuque Ring Cup," among other rare treasures. These artifacts were exhibited in more than 30 countries and regions across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, causing a sensation both domestically and internationally. Mancang was thus hailed as the "Hometown of the Golden-inlaid Jade Suit." The author of this book, with detailed and fascinating historical records, sharp and rigorous reasoning, and a vivid writing style, not only narrates the mysterious and extraordinary excavation process but also conducts profound and unique analyses and research on the construction features of the Manshan Cave Tombs, the value of unearthed artifacts, and the relevant historical background. This guides readers into the opulent underground palace to unravel the historical mysteries hidden in the rock layers for over 2,100 years.