Although only the outer layer of the coffin of Liu Ha, the grandson of Emperor Wu of Han, has been excavated, archaeologists have already uncovered hundreds of gold artifacts weighing nearly 40 kg.
Chinese archaeologists excavated nearly 100 gold ingots shaped like horseshoes and large gold pieces from the outer layer of the double coffin in the main tomb at the ancient Western Han cemetery in Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province. (Photo: China News).
This cemetery is approximately 40,000m2 in size, containing 8 tombs, with the main tomb believed to be the burial site of Liu Ha, Prince of Xiang, grandson of Emperor Wu of Han – the ninth emperor of the Han dynasty (140 – 87 BC).
According to Xinhua, the cemetery has been excavated for 5 years, uncovering over 20,000 artifacts to date. (Photo: China News).
Emperor Wu of Han passed the throne to Emperor Zhao of Han, but he died at the age of 21 without an heir, leading the officials to install his grandson Liu Ha as the ruler. After 27 days in power, Liu Ha was deposed. He died in 59 BC at the age of 33.
Archaeologists unearthed 96 gold coins, 33 horseshoe-shaped gold ingots, 15 deer hoof-shaped gold ingots, and 20 gold plates. (Photo: China News).
A gold ingot inscribed with the character “Shang”. (Photo: QQ).
The horseshoe-shaped gold ingots in the coffin are categorized into two sizes, with inscriptions on them reading “Shang”, “Zhong”, “Xia”. Experts have yet to explain the meaning of these characters.
A gold ingot inscribed with the character “Zhong”. (Photo: QQ).
A gold ingot with the character “Xia”. (Photo: QQ).
The underside of the horseshoe-shaped gold ingot is intricately engraved with floral patterns.
Fragments adhering to the gold ingot are believed to be lapis lazuli. This is a type of natural gemstone, often referred to as cat’s eye, which comes in various colors. Later, lapis lazuli also referred to artificial glass. (Photo: China News).
Each gold plate measures approximately 23 cm in length, 10 cm in width, and 0.3 cm in thickness. (Photo: China News)
Giant Treasure Discovered, Many Items Remarkably Intact
More than 20,000 artifacts have been discovered. Indeed, the giant treasure found in the tomb of an emperor who reigned for only 27 days has left many archaeologists astonished. According to experts, the lavish burial customs of the Han royal family acted as a “magnet” attracting tomb raiders.
The fact that grave robbers missed or inadvertently overlooked the main tomb of Liu Ha, the emperor who was deposed after just 27 days and became the Marquis of Haihun, is an extremely rare stroke of luck in over 2,000 years.
A jade seal inscribed with the name “Liu Ha” in the tomb. (Photo: Xinhua).
Zhang Zhongli, a senior archaeologist at the Shaanxi Institute of Archaeology, described the discovery of special wooden structures that have survived for over 2,000 years in the ancient tomb. Furthermore, despite the waterlogged conditions, acidic soil, and humid climate around Nanchang, organic materials including 5 wooden chariots still retain their paint along with horse remains buried with them.
However, many lacquer artifacts that were submerged have been severely affected after exposure to air.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiaolin, a copper conservation expert at the National Museum of China, stated that the gold excavated from the tomb has significant purity, especially with most gold pieces weighing around 250 grams. The 378 gold items found in the tomb alone weighed up to 78 kg, valued in the millions of USD, not including their historical significance.
Contrary to historical records, researchers were surprised to discover a completely different Liu Ha. Specifically, the artifacts found indicate that he was passionate about calligraphy, revered Confucius, and had knowledge of music, as the excavation team discovered many musical instruments and terracotta figurines depicting how to play these instruments.
Despite being waterlogged, the quality of many artifacts remains almost intact after more than 2,000 years.
In addition, it seems that this short-reigning emperor had a penchant for collecting treasures, as many burial goods and valuable jewels were arranged within his tomb.
According to Xin Lixang of the National Museum of China, who also heads the excavation and has spent time studying around 4,000 Han dynasty tombs, this is the most complete burial site of the Han people ever discovered.
Two goose-shaped lamps made of bronze remain quite intact.
Xu Changqing, an expert from the Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics Research Institute, commented: “This discovery can help us understand the economic, cultural, and social conditions during the Western Han period, and even the development of music, transportation, measurement, and more.”
Additionally, the coffin containing the remains of Marquis Liu Ha has been preserved in a low-oxygen chamber since its lid was opened in early 2016.
The tomb of Liu Ha, the emperor who reigned for only 27 days, along with the enormous treasure inside, is indeed a rare find that provides valuable information and historical records, especially about the Han nobility, one of the most influential dynasties in Chinese history.
