Zhengzhou, 27 Jan (Xinhua) -- In the 1920s and 1930s, eight tombs of the Eastern Zhou Kings in Luoyang Jincun, Henan Province, were stolen and excavated, and a large number of precious cultural relics were lost overseas, becoming the victims of Chinese archaeology. After more than 90 years, the archaeological survey and survey work aimed at clarifying the basic situation of cultural relics in the Eastern Zhou Wangling District of Luoyang Jincun was launched a few days ago.
This is the surface status of the Eastern Zhou Wangling District in Jincun, Pingle Town, Mengjin District, Luoyang City, Henan Province (courtesy of Luoyang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology)
The reporter learned from the Luoyang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology on the 27th that the preliminary plan for the archaeological survey and survey of the Eastern Zhou King's Tomb in Luoyang Jincun was completed in three stages and lasted 5 years.
"The focus is on a comprehensive understanding of the Jincun King's Mausoleum, the Mausoleum, the Ancillary Tombs, the Chema Pit, etc., but does not involve the excavation of the Eastern Zhou Tombs." Yan Hui, director of the Hanwei Research Office of the Luoyang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, said.
In 770 BC, king Ping of Zhou moved east and built the capital Luoyang, known in history as "Eastern Zhou", and his 25th generation of kings were buried near Luoyang, divided into three mausoleum areas: Zhoushan, Wangcheng and Jincun.
Since the founding of New China, the relevant departments have conducted archaeological surveys of the Jincun Tombs, but more in-depth and comprehensive work has not been carried out, which has seriously restricted the advancement of relevant archaeological research and cultural relics protection.
It is reported that the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period were a critical period for the transformation of the ancient mausoleum system on the mainland. So far, many tombs of Eastern Zhou princes have been found in China, but the highest-ranking Eastern Zhou Tianzi tomb has not been fully discovered.
"This work will help to make up for the above missing links, solve the major problem of the transformation and inheritance of ancient Chinese mausoleums, and provide a breakthrough for in-depth study of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty." Zhao Xiaojun, president of the Luoyang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, said.
Archaeologists conduct on-site exploration work in the Eastern Zhou Wangling District of Luoyang Jincun (Courtesy of Luoyang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology)
On the other hand, promoting the archaeology of Jincun is of great significance in recovering the loss of overseas cultural relics in Jincun.
It is understood that from 1928 to 1932, the eight tombs of the Eastern Zhou Kings in Jincun were stolen and excavated thousands of precious cultural relics such as gold and silver, bronze, jade and so on, which are still scattered in more than a dozen overseas countries.
"Through the archaeology of Jincun, it can help determine the yardstick of the cultural relics unearthed in Jincun, provide a reliable basis for recovering the lost cultural relics of Jincun overseas, and this is also a practical measure to understand the protection status of Jincun cultural relics and avoid the theft of related relics again." Zhao Xiaojun said.
At present, the first phase of archaeological investigation and exploration work is being carried out in an orderly manner.