On March 10, 2003, an archaeological team discovered an enormous bright red coffin in the Turki Mountains of Inner Mongolia. Shortly thereafter, experts proceeded to open the coffin and conducted a scan to determine the identity and cause of death of the occupant using electromagnetic waves.
Upon the release of the electromagnetic scan results, everyone present at the scene was astonished. The body parts of the occupant, including the head, brain, abdomen, and arms, were clearly marked with dark areas and dense black spots. Notably, a large amount of mercury was found in three regions: the abdomen, arms, and bones.
The amount of mercury collected from the coffin by the archaeological team reached 1.5 liters. However, the true cause of death for the occupant remains unclear. Based on the team’s speculation, it is highly likely that this individual ingested a significant amount of mercury, leading to fatal poisoning.
Who was the occupant of the tomb and what was their status?
Archaeologists examining the strange coffin. (Photo: Baidu)
Based on the luxurious design of the burial chamber and the numerous rich and diverse grave goods found alongside, it is evident that the occupant held a high status in ancient society.
Continuing their exploration, the archaeological team discovered a stele. From this, they deduced that the occupant could be the daughter of the founder of the Liao Dynasty, Yelü Abaoji – Princess Zhi Gu.
After confirming the identity of the tomb’s occupant as a princess of the Liao Dynasty, the archaeological team sought historical documents related to the Liao Dynasty and this princess to uncover the reasons behind her death.
The Liao Dynasty princess is believed to have died from mercury poisoning. (Photo: Baidu)
The initial cause of Princess Zhi Gu’s death was found to be related to the time when her father, Yelü Abaoji, sought to establish the Liao Dynasty and declare himself emperor.
However, Yelü Abaoji’s decision faced strong opposition from many, including his wife, his brother-in-law, and his daughter Zhi Gu, who were the most vocal opponents. To protest Yelü Abaoji’s claim to the throne, a coup occurred. However, shortly thereafter, the Liao king swiftly dispatched troops to suppress the coup. In the following three years, the rebel forces were completely quelled.
As a member of the coup opposing her own father, Princess Zhi Gu could not escape punishment. She was imprisoned by her father in an underground dungeon, never to be forgiven.
Her world for the remaining half of her life was confined within the four walls of her prison. The mercury found by the archaeological team likely represents the poison that Princess Zhi Gu consumed to take her own life.
