China

Western Xia mausoleums

Tangut imperial mausoleums, Western Xia dynasty (11th–13th c.)

Location

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Historical Context

About

The Western Xia mausoleums occupy an area of some 50 km2 (19 sq mi) at the foot of the Helan Mountains in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of northwestern China, and include nine imperial mausoleums and 250 tombs of imperial relatives and officials of China's Western Xia dynasty. This burial complex lies some 40 km (25 mi) westward from capital city of the Western Xia, the Xingqing fu or Xingqing, what is modern-day Yinchuan, capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Some 17,000 m2 (180,000 sq ft) have so far been excavated, and efforts are underway to secure and preserve the remains of this poorly understood era.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Birth of Li Yuanhao (Emperor Jingzong)

1003

Founding of the Western Xia dynasty

1038

Reign of Emperor Jingzong (Li Yuanhao)

1038–1048

Reign of Emperor Yizong

1048–1068

Reign of Emperor Huizong

1068–1086

Reign of Emperor Chongzong

1086–1139

Reign of Emperor Renzong

1139–1193

Reign of Emperor Huanzong

1193–1206

Reign of Emperor Xiangzong

1206–1211

Reign of Emperor Shenzong

1211–1223

Reign of Emperor Xianzong

1223–1226

Final emperor Modi (Emperor Mo)

1226–1227

Mongol conquest and fall of Western Xia

1227

Modern reporting from aerial photography

1938

Industrial development over part of the site

1970s

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Defensive WallsTowers
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Burial and Funerary Structures

MausoleumsTombsTomb moundsInner enclosures
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Religious and Ritual Structures

PavilionsStelaeTemples
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Artistic and Decorative Features

SculpturesInscriptionsTiles
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Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial Mounds
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

China

Coordinates

38.44° N, 105.99° E