The Northern Zhou Dynasty founding emperor’s tomb found in Shaanxi

A report released by the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology on Sept 19, shows that the Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581) founding emperor Yuwen Jue’s tomb was discovered in Xianyang city, Shaanxi province.

Through excavation, a ditch on the ground was found to originally surround the tomb. A total of 146 burial items were unearthed, most of which were small pottery figurines. At the east of the tomb entrance, there was an epigraph stele recording the tomb owner’s status as “Duke of Lueyang”.

The archaeological finds showcase the imperial tomb structures over that period, provide clues for the locations of other three emperors’ tombs, and prove the historical political struggle during the founding period of the Northern Zhou Dynasty.