Mawangdui
China

Mawangdui

Western Han dynasty tombs with artifacts

Location

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Historical Context

About

Mawangdui is an archaeological site in Changsha, China, revealing the remarkable burial practices of the western Han dynasty. The site houses three tombs belonging to significant figures of the Changsha Kingdom, including the Chancellor Li Cang, his wife Xin Zhui, and a male relative. These tombs exhibit unique construction techniques with cypress planks and layers of white clay and charcoal. Rich in artifacts, the site includes lacquered coffins, silk paintings, and a variety of manuscripts on military, medical, and astronomical subjects. Xin Zhui's tomb is particularly notable for her well-preserved mummified remains and exquisite funerary goods. The findings at Mawangdui offer crucial insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the period, making it a site of significant archaeological and historical interest.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileLacquer_Coffin_Unearthed_from_the_2nd-century-BC_Han_Tomb_No.1_at_Mawangdui_2011-07.JPG
FileMawangdui_Lacquer_Crossbow_10112803995.jpg
FileMawangdui_LaoTsu_Ms2.JPG
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Li Cang's Death

186 BCE

Relative's Death

168 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Storage Structures

Containers
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Tombs
category

Industrial and Craft Structures

Workshops
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Artistic and Decorative Features

MuralsPaintings
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

China

Coordinates

28.21° N, 113.02° E