Archaeologists in China are excited about the possibility that they may have discovered the tomb of King So Khae Liet, who ruled from 262 to 238 BC during the Warring States period. Gong Xicheng, a researcher at Anhui Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, has reported that experts are currently working on excavating the tomb, known as Wuwangdun, which is located in Anhui province. The tomb is considered to be the largest and most prestigious tomb from the Chu state during its peak.
The State of Chu ruled over large areas along the Yangtze River for about 800 years before being invaded by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 223 BC. Researchers have long debated about the identity of the tomb’s owner, with King So Khae Liet being a leading candidate. He ruled as king of Chu for more than 20 years during the Warring States period. King So Khae Liet, also known as Hung Hoan, was sent as a hostage to the powerful Qin state as a crown prince at a young age, later returning to Chu to claim the throne.
The ongoing excavation and research at Wuwangdun has led to exciting discoveries about ancient Chinese culture and history. The tomb contains over 1,000 artifacts such as bronze pots, household items, lacquerware, wooden furniture, musical instruments, and statues. Inscriptions found in the tomb offer insight into society during the Chu period and late Warring States period.
Gong Xicheng stated that “the excavation work is still ongoing but we have already uncovered some amazing finds that give us more information about this era.” The discovery of these artifacts will provide valuable insights into daily life during this time period and shed light on how different societies interacted with each other.
Overall, this project will contribute significantly to our understanding of ancient Chinese history and culture. It’s an exciting time for researchers and enthusiasts alike who are eagerly anticipating what else may be uncovered in this groundbreaking excavation site.
The identity of King So Khae Liet continues to be explored by experts at Anhui Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology. Their work will provide further insights into his reign and his impact on Chinese history.
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