The mound known as Sakurai Chasuyama Kofun is a massive keyhole-shaped structure dating from the early Kofun period (250 – 552 AD).
Archaeologists have made incredible discoveries in Japan. This time, while excavating the Sakurai Chausuyama Mound in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, they came across more than a hundred bronze mirrors. Arkeonews writes that this huge mound is shaped like a keyhole and was built at the beginning of the early Kofun period (250 AD – 552 AD).
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What is interesting is the large number of bronze mirrors found here. Their large number suggests that the person buried in this mound had significant power, perhaps even royal status.
Some of these mirrors are called “Himiko mirrors”. They are unique in that they have a triangular frame and are decorated with images of gods and animals. According to ancient Chinese history texts, Himiko was a queen in Japan in the early third century.
According to legends, she was a shaman queen or priestess who ruled a kingdom called Yamatai. The ruler lived in the castle without marrying and 1000 women served him.
Some of these mirrors were made using the same mold as the Sankakubuchi Shinjukiyo mirrors, called “god and beast mirrors”. These mirrors contain inscriptions dating back to the first year of the Seishi period, which corresponds to the 240th year of our calendar. Himiko is said to have received 100 mirrors from the Wei Dynasty that same year.
Over many years, only 385 bronze mirror fragments were discovered during excavations at the Sakurai Chausuyama mound. In 2010, a study by the Prefectural Institute of Archaeology identified 81 bronze mirrors, surpassing the previous record of 40 mirrors found in Tomb No. 1 of the Hirabaru Archaeological Site in Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture.
However, the failure to identify some pieces led a team of researchers to re-examine the finds from the Sakurai Tomb. By measuring these mirrors in three dimensions and comparing them with mirrors found in other parts of Japan and abroad, they determined that they had found at least 103 bronze mirrors. This is a new record for Japan.
These mirrors are offered in 14 different types, including 26 triangular framed mirrors with images of gods and animals, 56 Chinese-made mirrors in 10 unique designs, and 21 Japanese-made mirrors in three varieties. Many, especially those from China, are quite large and have intricate patterns.
“This finding shows that the central power of the kingdom was stronger than we could have imagined,” said Shinya Fukunaga, an archeology professor at Osaka University and an expert on bronze mirrors. “This could change our understanding of Yamato’s political structure.”
The discovery not only provides valuable information about Japan’s ancient history, but also highlights the continuing importance of archaeological research in unlocking the secrets of our past.
Previously Focus He wrote that a 3,200-year-old mummy wore unusual trousers: they resemble modern jeans.
We also explained how scientists discovered a new Indo-European language in Hattusa, the capital of the Hittites.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.