22 replies to this topic

[galvatron prime]

China discovers tomb of famed general Cao Cao

http://english.cctv....27/102780.shtml

Archeologists have discovered a sprawling tomb complex near the ancient city of Anyang, in Henan Province. After consulting historical documents and comparing other cultural relics, they say the tomb most likely belonged to Cao Cao, a prominent figure during ancient China's Three Kingdoms period more than 2,000 years ago.

The elaborate tomb covers 800 square meters, with a 38-meter passage leading to an underground chamber.
Archeologists say the site had been repeatedly robbed over the centuries. However, inscriptions on surviving iron and stone artifacts suggest that the tomb's occupant was high-ranking.

Pan Wenbin, Archeologist, said, "We have found one tapering jade tablet, which is an indicator of a tomb's level. Only emperors' tombs contain such burial articles. Inscriptions on the tablet also suggests its owner could be Cao Cao. "

Experts have consulted various historical documents, such as The History of the Three Kingdoms, for clues to Cao Cao's life.



They know that Cao Cao once issued an order concerning where he was to be buried after he died. The description roughly corresponds to the discovered tomb's location.

Experts also retrieved three skulls from the burial site. Forensic analysis revealed one of them belonged to a male about 66 years of age. Cao Cao is said to have died at 66.

Other objects found at the site included a sword and scabbard. They are being treated for future study.

If the tomb is indeed Cao Cao's, archeologists hope that by studying the artifacts contained within, they can flesh out the life and personality of the legendary Chinese ruler.

[Shaolin]

Interesting but I am sceptical of it. The tomb is indeed much larger than other ancient tombs but to prove it belongs to Cao Cao will really need clearer inscriptions.

[thirdgumi]

The main argument of the archeologists was that they found a large quantities of artefacts with inscriptions of Wei Wu Wang 魏武王.

[jinmo]

saw this on the news the other day, from what i could understand this is not a new find but they have only just decided that it belongs to cao cao, either way they seem a long way from being certain.

[Shaolin]

The tomb was discovered about a year ago, but only became known to authorities after stone tablets carrying inscriptions of 'King Wu of Wei' were seized from alleged tomb raiders, the report said. So far archaeologists have recovered over 250 relics from the tomb which covers an area of 740 square metres (8,000 square feet), an area befitting a burial plot for someone of Cao Cao's stature, it said. -- AFP

Apparently, the stone tablets were not found inside the tomb but were seized from tomb raiders.

Now we need to really question the tomb raiders.

[Peng]

Cutrual Relics Bureau: Six reasons the tomb belonged to Cao Cao

On Dec. 27 of 2009, National Cultrual Relics Bureau made an announcement that an ancient tomb discovered in Anyang, Henan province was assured to be the tomb of Cao Cao, a renowned warlord and politician in the third century, after a year's excavation. There are 6 main reasons make archeologist believe the owner is him.

First: The scale of the tomb is quite large at nearly 60 meters long; the coffin chamber's form and structure are similar to known royal noble tombs of the Han and Wei dynasty, and this suits Cao Cao's identity; the tomb was not sealed by earth, which is similar to the description of "no seal and no trees" given in documents.

Second: The unearthed artifacts, portrait stones and other relics carry clear character of Han and Wei dynasty, in which Cao Cao lived.

Third: The location of the tomb is exactly the same as recorded in documents. According to relevant history books, Cao Cao died in Jan. 220AD, and his body was escorted back to Ye City in February before being buried at Gao Ling. Gao Ling was at the west of "Xi Menbao's Temple". In addition, in another document unearthed in 1998, the location of Cao Cao's tomb was clearly points to this spot.

Fourth: According to Cao Cao's will he was buried with no precious jewels, instead wearing only normal clothes. What we found in the tomb has exactly verified this point: although the tomb chamber is quite large in scale, the decoration is simple with no murals; weapons, a stone pillow and other things can all be proved as daily tools thanks to the words on them; Cao Cao wore delicate jades on a daily basis..

Fifth: The stone memorial tablet and pillow, which were carved with the characters "Wei Wu Wang (魏武王)", are the most conclusive evidence for the identity of the tomb's owner. As we know, Cao Cao died with the title "Wei Wang (魏王)", and his son added his title -"Wu Hang Di (武皇帝)". So the name carved on the stones was how Cao Cao would have been addressed at the time.

Sixth: Archeologists found a pair of bones belonging to a man, who died in his 60s, approximately. As history records, Cao Cao died at 66 years old.

http://english.peopl...73/6855100.html

Doesn't the article say "archaeologists also found 59 engraved stone plates logging the name"?

[DaMo]

I read this today morning, and am very excited. I hope they are able to verify the authenticity, despite the tomb robbers' removal of the engravings from the site.

[Dominic]

Can't wait for the Government to open the site for public

[William O'Chee]

What puzzles me is not that the tablets were recovered from alleged tomb robbers, nor that the tomb was only recently "discovered". What I can't understand is why it wasn't robbed in antiquity. Does anyone have a view about this?

Edited by William O'Chee, 05 January 2010 - 10:18 AM.

[jinmo]

from what i heard it was robbed in antiquity, probably several times. the latest robbers just got a hold of the stones.

i'm surprised that this topic isn't getting more attention, seems quite quiet for such a potentially major find?!?

Edited by jinmo, 09 January 2010 - 09:28 PM.

[samrtk]

I've just read the article on this, and I hope it is Cao's tomb, but leave it at that, I don't approve of stealing into people's burial sites, especially immortalised figures and prominent people. Same with Qin Shi Huang's tomb I hope if they crack into the core of the tomb they set off rigged crossbows and get themselves killed for it, serve as a messege for those trying to intrude on the dead's resting place. Bit cruel, but peace should be had in a tomb, leave it be once you find out who's it is, out of respect.

[Craig]

I've just read the article on this, and I hope it is Cao's tomb, but leave it at that, I don't approve of stealing into people's burial sites, especially immortalised figures and prominent people. Same with Qin Shi Huang's tomb I hope if they crack into the core of the tomb they set off rigged crossbows and get themselves killed for it, serve as a messege for those trying to intrude on the dead's resting place. Bit cruel, but peace should be had in a tomb, leave it be once you find out who's it is, out of respect.

I don't know that Qin Shi Huang deserves respect. He was a tyrant who caused immense suffering.

[samrtk]

I don't know that Qin Shi Huang deserves respect. He was a tyrant who caused immense suffering.

Cao Cao massacred Xu Province exterminating all life he could, yet he still commands an insane amount of respect throughout the world.

Qin Shi Huang was the first Emperor, for starting such a long standing tradition he gets my respect.

[Craig]

Cao Cao massacred Xu Province exterminating all life he could, yet he still commands an insane amount of respect throughout the world.

Qin Shi Huang was the first Emperor, for starting such a long standing tradition he gets my respect.

The long standing tradition, was started long before Qin Shi Huang proclaimed himself the First. Killing millions and displacing hundreds of thousands of households doesn't get mine. I don't lay flowers at Hitlers grave, either. Lusting for power isn't worthy of respect. Better to honor the farmers who were worked to death by Huang. Better to respect the victims of cruelty than the perpetrators. I suppose being two thousand years removed from his reign you can be generous. Those who lived under his boot would have a different opinion. His legalist philospophy, his attempts to bend everything, even mortality, to his will are the same impulses that have driven dictators of all times and nations. These are the worst of humanity. I presume that you don't have respect for Gandhi or Buddha or anyone whose power is unused, restrained or beneficial? I'd piss on the graves of bullies that you respect.

[William O'Chee]

The long standing tradition, was started long before Qin Shi Huang proclaimed himself the First. Killing millions and displacing hundreds of thousands of households doesn't get mine. I don't lay flowers at Hitlers grave, either. Lusting for power isn't worthy of respect. Better to honor the farmers who were worked to death by Huang. Better to respect the victims of cruelty than the perpetrators. I suppose being two thousand years removed from his reign you can be generous. Those who lived under his boot would have a different opinion. His legalist philospophy, his attempts to bend everything, even mortality, to his will are the same impulses that have driven dictators of all times and nations. These are the worst of humanity. I presume that you don't have respect for Gandhi or Buddha or anyone whose power is unused, restrained or beneficial? I'd piss on the graves of bullies that you respect.

I agree with you. The excesses of ancient Chinese rulers - especially the abuses of the population - should not be lauded, although they should be remembered.