In Handan City, Hebei Province, there is a large ancient tomb called "Qin Gong No. 1", which was the mausoleum of the monarch of a small country during the Western Han Dynasty. The tomb was discovered in 2008 when a torrential rain caused the tomb to collapse, revealing some bronzes and pottery. Archaeological experts immediately arrived at the site to explore and excavate the tomb.
The tomb is nearly 100 meters long, about 20 meters wide at its widest point, and 15 meters deep. The tomb is rich in funerary objects, including thousands of bronzes, pottery, jade, gold and silverware. Due to the many inscriptions of the word "Duke of Qin" in the funerary products, archaeological experts called the owner of this ancient tomb "Duke of Qin", and also named this ancient tomb "Duke of Qin No. 1". However, due to the limited written information found in the tomb, the true identity of "Duke Qin" is still unknown.
Based on the layout of the tomb and the characteristics of the funerary objects, experts speculate that the "Duke of Qin" was a nobleman during his lifetime, possibly the king of a small vassal state during the Western Han Dynasty. He should be a figure in the era of Emperor Wudi of Han, because there was no phenomenon of martyrdom in his tomb. Human martyrdom refers to the cruel practice of using people as funeral goods, which began in the slave era and still existed in the feudal era. Although Emperor Wudi of Han ordered the abolition of human martyrdom, it was still difficult to prohibit human martyrdom.
The tomb of "Qin Gong No. 1" is divided into three parts: the burial road, the front room and the back room. Next to a staircase in the back room is the coffin of the "Duke of Qin". According to the examination of his skeleton, he was a middle-aged man in his 40s, which was considered the prime of life during the Western Han Dynasty. There is a waist pit under his coffin, where 12 remains of the remains of the bunker and 16 more around the coffin. Based on the examination of the remains, four of them were found to be women, under the age of 20. In other words, the "Duke of Qin" used many Miaoling women to be martyred.
These women may be the concubines or maids of the "Duke of Qin", or they may be innocent people who were forced to die with him after his death. In any case, they are victims, and it is deplorable that they are just young and beautiful but become martyrs. In addition, the burial bones of five children were found in the tomb, and experts speculated that they were also relatives or servants of the "Duke of Qin".
Even more surprising is that two burial dogs were also found in the tomb. These two dogs may be the pet dogs of "Duke Qin", or they may be the hunting dogs or shepherd dogs he uses to hunt wild beasts or guard his home. In any case, these two dogs are also loyal companions and go to Huangquan with "Duke Qin".
In addition to the amazing martyrdom of people and dogs, inside a bronze vessel unearthed from the Western Zhou Dynasty, wine from more than 2,000 years ago is still preserved, and it still has the aroma of wine. This reflects the winemaking skills of the time, as well as the life of the princes at that time. This bronze piece is a bird-patterned deity, a large-mouthed bottle with a lid. This bronze vessel is inscribed with the word "Duke of Qin", indicating that it is a special vessel of "Duke of Qin".
Although this archaeological discovery did not find the identity certificate of the "Duke of Qin", it unexpectedly provided first-hand information for the study of the style and customs of a small country during the Western Han Dynasty, as well as the life and death of the nobles at that time. In 2010, the discovery of the tomb of "Qin Gong No. 1" was nominated for one of the top ten archaeological new discoveries in China.
I personally believe that the discovery of the tomb of "Qin Gong No. 1" is a lucky and unfortunate thing. Fortunately, through this ancient tomb, we can learn about the history and culture of a small princely state during the Western Han Dynasty, as well as the life and death of the nobles at that time. Unfortunately, we have also witnessed the cruel and senseless practice of human martyrdom, as well as the disrespect and waste of human life and antiquities. I hope we can learn from history, cherish life and protect culture.
What do you think about the tomb of "Qin Gong No. 1"? What kind of person do you think "Duke Qin" is? What do you think is the point of him martyring multiple young women? Welcome to share your views and feelings in the comment area, and welcome to like, forward, and collect this article, so that more people can understand this story about ancient tombs, weather and miracles.