Recently, in the Chuwang Chariot and Horse Array Scenic Area (Xiongjiazhong National Archaeological Site Park) in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, a huge 16-meter-high mound of soil stood quietly like a hill.
In the No. 1 chariot and horse pit, the chariots and horses that were buried all face west, and they are placed as driving.
Although it has been more than 2,000 years, the bones of the horses are intact, and the outlines of the wheels, carts, and umbrellas are still clearly visible.
The Xiongjia Tomb is the best-preserved, largest and most complete Zhou Dynasty Mausoleum of Chu Kings discovered so far. A Royal Tomb".
Unlike the terracotta warriors and horses in the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang, the chariots and horses of the king of Chu were buried with real chariots and horses.
Over the past 40 years, archaeologists have carried out three large-scale explorations and two active excavations on the Xiongjia Tomb, but no definite records about the identity of the tomb owner have been found.
Up to now, more than 3,000 pieces (sets) of cultural relics have been unearthed from the Xiongjia Tomb.
These precious heritages provide rare physical materials for the study of Chu's politics, economy, culture, ideology and military affairs, and are historical witnesses of the strength and prosperity of Chu.
(Dong Xiaobin, Guo Xiaoying, Zhou Xingliang)
Responsible editor: [Lu Yan]