Grave robbers during the feudal era often dug into tombs to steal valuable burial treasures. However, they absolutely did not take coins from the coffins.
In ancient times, the tombs of emperors, noble descendants, officials, and wealthy merchants became prime targets for grave robbers. This was because these individuals were often buried with a wealth of gold, silver, jewels, and many other precious artifacts.
As a result, grave robbers wanted to excavate these tombs to steal the burial treasures, hoping to have money to spend, or even “change their lives” overnight.
The grave robbing community had some unwritten rules, including certain actions that were absolutely prohibited. Among these was the strong belief that grave robbers must not take coins from the coffins of the deceased.
Coins in the coffin are considered “money for the afterlife,” used for crossing bridges and buying water. (Illustrative image).
This leads many to wonder why grave robbers do not take coins like other burial items.
In response to this question, researchers suggest that grave robbers do not take coins from coffins because they are considered “money for the afterlife,” used for crossing bridges and buying water.
After a person passes away, family members often place some coins in the coffin. According to ancient beliefs, this money would be used by the deceased to pay for travel expenses, buy water, etc. Regardless of whether the deceased came from a wealthy or poor background, families would place coins in the coffin to ensure a smooth journey to the afterlife.
Although grave robbers are greedy for burial items, they still possess a sense of conscience, refraining from taking the coins in the coffin so as not to hinder the deceased’s passage to the afterlife.
Additionally, the coins in the coffin, even if stolen, would be useless. This is because each dynasty issued different types of currency. During the feudal era, not many people were interested in collecting ancient coins. Thus, even if grave robbers took them, they would not bring any benefit.
The final reason is that the coins are not of high value, which is why grave robbers do not take them when robbing tombs. Instead, they focus on stealing other valuable burial items and selling them for money to support their lives.
- Why has a tomb been robbed 6 times but no one dares to touch the burial shroud?
- The notorious grave robber: Daring to lift the lid of Empress Dowager Cixi’s coffin, sweeping through the tomb of Emperor Qianlong
- Two consecutive dynasties: Why were the Ming tombs untouched while the Qing tombs were thoroughly robbed?
