Archaeologists believe that the largest and most advanced tomb from the Warring States period, dating back 2,200 years, may belong to King So Khae Liet, who ruled from 262 to 238 BC. Gong Xicheng, a researcher at Anhui Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archeology, mentioned that experts are working on excavating the Wuwangdun tomb, which is approximately 1.5 square meters wide in Anhui province, with hopes of solving the mystery of the tomb owner’s identity. The tomb, considered the largest and most prestigious from the Chu state during its prosperous rule, has sparked debates among researchers over the years regarding its intended occupant.
The State of Chu, ruling large areas along the Yangtze River during its peak, existed for around 800 years until it was invaded in 223 BC by Emperor Qin Shi Huang who unified China. The research team suggests that the tomb may have been built for King So Khao Liet, also known as Hung Hoan, who ruled the state of Chu for over two decades during the Warring States period. King So Khae Liet had a complex history, where he was taken as a hostage to the Qin state as a crown prince, before eventually inheriting the throne of Chu and making it his own.
In the last days of the Chu state, King Kho Liet moved the capital east to Shochun, where the Wuwangdun tomb is located not far from the ancient capital’s ruins. Unearthing more than 1,000 artifacts, including bronze ware, lacquerware, musical instruments, and more, the ongoing research is shedding light on society during the Chu period and the late Warring States period. Inscriptions found in the tomb could provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical context of the time.
Through careful excavation and analysis, researchers hope to uncover more clues about the identity of the tomb owner and their significance in Chinese history. The exploration of the Wuwangdun tomb is a fascinating journey that may offer new perspectives on ancient Chinese civilization and the lives of its rulers during the Warring States period.