"Mysterious area" full-scale investigation Yoshinogari ruins September 8, 14:11
The Yoshinogari ruins are full of valuable materials for unraveling ancient history.
In that corner, the excavation survey was resumed for the first time in 10 years.
The place has been untouched for many years, it is truly a "mystery zone".
It may hold the key to an ancient mystery.
Entrance exam questions
The Yoshinogari ruins are also featured in junior high school entrance exam questions.
Question
Answer the name of the ruins of a large Kango settlement in Saga prefecture that is designated as a national special historic site.
(Kogyokusha Junior High School 2021)
The correct answer is, of course, the Yoshinogari ruins.
A ringo village is a village surrounded by a moat.
What is the Yoshinogari Ruins?
So what are the features?
It is one of the largest ring settlements in Japan, covering an area of about 40 hectares. During the Yayoi period, which is said to have lasted for about 700 years, it changed from a village unit called "Mura" to a community called "Kuni" where multiple settlements were gathered and ruled by a king. It is said that it is a valuable ruin that can follow the process of development.
This is what Mr. Chuhei Takashima, an archaeologist known as "Mr. Yoshinogari," has been researching the Yoshinogari ruins for over 60 years.
Mr. Takashima:
“The excavated items include mirrors, coins, iron swords and sickles, as well as a large number of swords and small knives. Remains and relics suitable for the capital of Kuni have been discovered."
There was a threat to the preservation of ruins
The Yoshinogari ruins were designated as a national special historic site in 1991, and are now managed as a historical park, including the surrounding area.
However, about 40 years ago, when its value was not widely recognized, a plan to create an industrial park was taking shape.
If the construction progressed, there was a possibility that the ruins would not have been protected in the way they are now.
In fact, a series of valuable discoveries were made in the survey to confirm the buried objects before the land was developed, which led to its preservation.
There were also very rare excavated items such as a bronze sword that looks like a "King's sword" and a glass "Kudatama" that is said to have been combined and used as a crown.
events that changed fate
Furthermore, it is said that there was a decisive event in the first year of Heisei.
Mr. Takashima:
"In the Chinese history book 'Gishiwajinden,' there is a description of where Himiko lived. It fits well with the description that the residence was strictly guarded by castle fences and guarded by soldiers with weapons. It was reported as the top news because it was pointed out that it might be "Kuni" from the Yamatai era."
It is unknown where Yamataikoku, which is said to have been ruled by Queen Himiko, actually existed, but there were reports that ``Yoshinogari ruins may have been Yamataikoku,'' and tourists flooded in. Over 1 million people visited in 3 months.
First Excavation in 10 Years "Mysterious Area"
Although the Yoshinogari ruins have become an existence that everyone recognizes as valuable, there are places that could not be excavated until now.
It is around the shrine that was in the central part of the ruins.
This year, the shrine was relocated and the excavation was resumed for the first time in 10 years.
That area is a place covered with trees right near the Kita Funkyubo, which is said to be the tomb of successive kings.
It is truly a "Mystery Zone".
Mr. Takashima:
“This is my personal opinion, but I think it would be fine if there was a tomb for the next king after the king of the North Burial Mound.”
And I'm also curious about the relationship between the Yoshinogari ruins and Yamataikoku.
We asked Mr. Takashima about the highlights of the excavation survey.
Mr. Takashima:
“The most decisive factor is that the emperor of Wei gives Himiko various gifts. They are wrapped in a piece of clay with the Wei emperor’s seal stamped on it. It can only be opened in front of .
Full-scale excavation is scheduled to begin on September 25.
It seems that it is also decided to shoot the state of the survey with a fixed point camera and distribute it live.
Mr. Takashima said with shining eyes, "The more new mysteries come out, the more I look forward to it."
In "Migake, curiosity!" of "Weekly Maruwaki News" (broadcast at 8:25 am on Sundays), we delve into the news every week on topics such as current affairs presented in the entrance exam.
Let's think together about "why?"
On the corner homepage, you can also review the past.
Please take a look at the link below.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/maruwaka-migake/