The tomb of the second Nanyue king was discovered by chance in June 1983 at a construction site in the Xianggang Hill in Guangzhou City. The State Council authorized the excavation of the tomb in October in the same year. 10,434 historical relics were unearthed including the administrative seal of Emperor Wen in gold. The seal proves the identity of the tomb occupant to be the second king of the Nanyue Kingdom, Zhao Mo.
The Nanyue Kingdom was established more than two thousand years ago with its capital located in what is today the urban district of Guangzhou.
The tomb was located 20 meters into the center of the Xianggang Hill which was originally about 50 meters high. It was discovered intact and had not been plundered. The grave pit, with altogether seven chambers linked to one another, was divided into two parts. The part with rear rooms is located in the north, while the front in the south.
Fifteen sacrificial victims were found in the tomb. Those people were buried with the deceased emperor as part of the burial ritual. The tomb is the largest and the best protected found to date in the Lingnan region in south China. In 1996, the State Council declared it one of China's major historical sites.
Table of Contents
Preface
The Museum Survey
The Tomb Site of the Nanyue King
The Relics Unearthed from the
Tomb of the Nanyue King
The Seals of Emperor Wen
The Treasures from the King's CoffinRoom
The Articles with the Human Sacrifices
The Treasuresfrom the Storerooms
The Musical Instruments and the Banquet Utensils
The Ceramic Pillows
Appendix
Genealogy of Nanyue
Major Events of the Nanyue Kingdom