Saturday, December 2, 2023
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact Us
Archaeology News Online Magazine
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
    1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • All
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments (PDF)

    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
    Jum Kaash replica, a Maya god.

    The use of hallucinogenic substances in Maya religion and culture

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    Best archaeology books for kids

    10 best archaeology books for kids

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
    1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • All
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments (PDF)

    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
    Jum Kaash replica, a Maya god.

    The use of hallucinogenic substances in Maya religion and culture

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    Best archaeology books for kids

    10 best archaeology books for kids

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
Archaeology News Online Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home News Archaeology

Sixth-century tomb reveals ancient Chinese power struggle

Dario Radley by Dario Radley
September 28, 2023
Share on FacebookShare on Linkedin.Share on RedditShare on WhatsappShare on Tumblr

A 1,400-year-old tomb in northwestern China has provided new evidence of a political power struggle between royal brothers and a warlord during a turbulent period in Chinese history.

Sixth-century tomb reveals ancient Chinese power struggle
Part of the tomb. Credit: Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology

The tomb, uncovered near the city of Xianyang in Shaanxi province, holds the remains of Emperor Xiaomin, also known as Yuwen Jue, regarded as the founder of the Northern Zhou dynasty in 557.

The tomb was confirmed to be the final resting place of Emperor Xiaomin, also known by his personal name, Yuwen Jue. He is considered the founder of the Northern Zhou dynasty, which was established in 557. However, historical records reveal that his reign was brief, and he was deposed and executed after only a few months. It took several decades for him to be officially proclaimed an emperor.

The tomb, approximately 184 feet (56 meters) long and 33 feet (10 meters) deep, was found in an area northwest of Xianyang known for its high-status tombs from the era. Nearby tombs belonging to Jue’s younger brother and another brother, Yuwen Yong, Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou, further attest to the significance of this region during that time.

Sixth-century tomb reveals ancient Chinese power struggle
The tomb was unearthed in Shaanxi province, in an area with other high-status tombs. Credit: Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology

Although the tomb had been disturbed by grave robbers at some point, 146 artifacts, including terra-cotta figurines and pottery, were uncovered by archaeologists. The epitaph on the tomb, written in cinnabar, referred to its occupant as the Duke of Lueyang, a confirmation of the historical records.

RelatedStories

Neolithic brutality: China's largest headhunting massacre revealed

Neolithic brutality: China’s largest headhunting massacre revealed

November 12, 2023
Rare sheep chariot found near mausoleum of China’s first emperor

Rare sheep chariot found near mausoleum of China’s first emperor

November 7, 2023

Historian Albert Dien, a professor emeritus of Chinese at Stanford University, who was not involved with the tomb’s discovery, told Live Science that Jue’s ascent to the throne was orchestrated by his cousin and guardian, the warlord Yuwen Hu. Yuwen Hu used Jue as a puppet ruler, but Jue’s rebellion led to his deposition and execution within a few months. He was succeeded by another brother, Yuwen Yu, who took the title of Emperor Ming.

However, Yuwen Hu continued to manipulate the dynasty through puppet rulers, and he met his end in 572 at the hands of a faction loyal to yet another brother, Yuwen Yong, who then became Emperor Wu. It was only after Yuwen Hu’s demise, roughly 37 years after Jue’s death, that Jue was proclaimed the first emperor of the Northern Zhou dynasty. Consequently, the epitaph on the recently discovered tomb unequivocally portrays Jue as having been buried as a duke rather than as an emperor.

Sixth-century tomb reveals ancient Chinese power struggle
Although grave robbers plundered the tomb, archaeologists uncovered 146 buried relics, including terracotta figurines. Credit: Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology

The tomb is one of many high-status burials from the Northern, Sui, and Tang Dynasties in the region, with the tombs of Xiaomin’s brothers, Emperor Ming and Emperor Wu, located within 10 kilometers of this site.

Sixth-century tomb reveals ancient Chinese power struggle
Credit: Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology

This discovery enhances our understanding of a complex and tumultuous period in Chinese history, with the tomb epitaph serving as the first physical evidence of the political intrigue during the founding of the Northern Zhou dynasty, previously known only through written historical accounts.

Share1Tweet1ShareShareSendShare

You May Also Like...

1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement
Archaeology

1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

by Dario Radley
November 23, 2023
Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river
Archaeology

Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

by Dario Radley
November 22, 2023
Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey
Archaeology

Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

by Dario Radley
November 22, 2023
Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery
Archaeology

Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

by Dario Radley
November 21, 2023
Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey
Archaeology

Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

by Dario Radley
November 21, 2023
More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy
Archaeology

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

by Dario Radley
November 20, 2023
Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire
Archaeology

Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire

by Dario Radley
November 19, 2023
Kushan period copper coins resurface at Mohenjo Daro after 93 years
Archaeology

Kushan period copper coins resurface at Mohenjo Daro after 93 years

by Dario Radley
November 19, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
17th-century Frenchwoman's gold dental work was likely torturous to her teeth

17th-century Frenchwoman’s gold dental work was likely torturous to her teeth

February 5, 2023
Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

July 11, 2023
Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

September 4, 2023
8-year-old boy unearths 1,800-year-old Roman coin in school sandbox

8-year-old boy unearths 1,800-year-old Roman coin in school sandbox

August 29, 2023
Archaeologists found evidence of surgery on medieval woman’s skull

Archaeologists found evidence of surgery on medieval woman’s skull

February 15, 2023
Coal miners accidentally discover ancient Roman ship in Serbia

Coal miners accidentally discover ancient Roman ship in Serbia

August 25, 2023
Crusader sword found in Mediterranean was bent, possibly in battle

Crusader sword found in Mediterranean was bent, possibly in battle

August 4, 2023
Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Isles of Scilly Iron Age warrior was a woman, study says

Isles of Scilly Iron Age warrior was a woman, study says

Family ties detected in 17th-century colonial cemetery in Delaware

Family ties detected in 17th-century colonial cemetery in Delaware

4,000-year-old Bronze Age pyramid unearthed in Kazakhstan's steppes

4,000-year-old Bronze Age pyramid unearthed in Kazakhstan’s steppes

Mummy of the Mysterious Lady may have died of cancer

Pregnant Egyptian mummy ‘Mysterious Lady’ may have died of cancer

king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

November 23, 2023
Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

November 22, 2023
Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

November 22, 2023
Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

November 21, 2023
Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

November 21, 2023
More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

November 20, 2023
Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire

Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire

November 19, 2023

Archaeology News Online Magazine

Archaeology News is an international online magazine that covers all aspects of archaeology.

Categories

  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Download
  • Game
  • News
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
  • Quiz
  • Tours

Mail Us: info@archaeologymag.com

Subscribe to our newsletter

© 2023 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact Us

About Us  .  Contact Us  .  Donation

  • Homepage
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum

© 2023 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

*By registering into our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

We use cookies to improve your experience and enable functionality and security of this site. Further detail is available in our Privacy Policy. By accepting all cookies, you consent to our use of cookies and use of data.