The royal tombs of Western Han Dynasty's Marquis of Haihun State has captivated the public's attention after troves of treasures excavated from the site were exhibited in the Jiangxi Provincial Museum.

Experts, who devotedly studied the mausoleum for five years, have declared the Marquis of Haihun's burial place as China's best-preserved royal tombs of the Western Han Dynasty so far. The enormous 40,000 square meter cemetery with eight tombs and a burial chariot in it still represents an exhaustive structure, a clear layout and an integrated ritual system.

Like Us on Facebook

With immense wealth and artifacts found, archaeologists believe the burial chamber belongs to Han Dynasty's most renowned ruler. In detail, they theorized this could be the burial site of Emperor Wu's grandson Liu He. Liu was dismissed from his position as an emperor only after 27 days. He was subsequently given the name "Haihunhou " (Marquis of Haihun).His clan reportedly uncrowned him on the grounds of lack of talents and morals.

Among the relics found in his burial site were the following: 10 tonnes bronze coins together with 10,000 more items made from gold, iron or bronze. Pieces of 50 huge coins and 25 gold hoofs.

Items that only aristocrats can afford were also unearthed including a chestnut-container, a three-legged hot pot with a charcoal plate attached below and a wine distiller, which archaeological expert Zhang Zhongli claimed to be a luxury among nobles. The earliest record of wine in China was during the Yuan Dynasty.

The 2000-year-old "Haihunhou" also surprised diggers with a smoke-swallowing bronze lamp resembling a goose with a fish in its mouth. This might actually show that even as early as the Han Dynasty, people were already trying to reduce pollution in China, according to the China Daily.

Aside from these, archaeologists also found what-seems-to-be an ancient chessboard that scientists believe is similar like the modern board game "go." They claim that if this is proven, this would be China's first "go" chessboard. 

The tomb continues to surprise historians after a portrait of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius was found within. Excavation team leader Xin Lixiang said "This is the earliest portrait of the ancient sage discovered so far."

The Marquis of Haihun's tomb has five chariots with four sacrificed horses each. Lixiang claimed that only people with the highest status during the Han Dynasty owns a chariot drawn with four horses.

Near the heart of the "Haihunhou" crypt are classic jade items. One of which is heart-shaped exquisitely decorated with dragon and phoenix.

Since 2011, archaeologists have unearthed 10,000 interesting artifacts from the tomb with around 110 pieces chosen for free public viewing. The display that started Monday will only lasts for a week.

TagsHan Dynasty, China history, Xin Lixiang, Marquis of Haihun