Archaeologists in southern China have discovered a series of tombs from the Qing dynasty (1644-1912) that could provide new insights into the customs and beliefs of the ruling Manchu ethnic group.
The tombs were discovered in the city of Foshan in Guangdong province, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Hong Kong. The discovery includes more than 100 tombs, according to a statement from the Foshan city government.
The tombs were found in a hillside in the Shishan area, which was a popular location for the burial of Qing dynasty nobility. The tombs are believed to date from the late 18th to the early 20th century.
Experts say the discovery is significant because there is relatively little information about the customs and beliefs of the Manchu people, who ruled China during the Qing dynasty. The Manchu were originally from northeast China and were part of a federation of tribes called the Jurchen.
The Qing dynasty was founded by the Manchu general Nurhaci in 1636, and it ruled China for nearly three centuries. The Manchu maintained their distinct identity and customs, even as they adopted many of the cultural practices of the Han Chinese, who were the majority ethnic group in China.
The tombs discovered in Foshan are believed to be of Manchu nobility, and they offer a rare glimpse into the burial practices and beliefs of this group. The tombs are made of brick and stone and are generally rectangular in shape. Some of the tombs are quite large, measuring up to 10 meters (33 feet) in length.
The tombs are also decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions, including images of dragons and other mythical creatures. Some of the tombs also contain sacrificial pits, which were used to bury animals as offerings to the deceased.
According to the Foshan city government, the tombs were discovered during a construction project in the Shishan area. The government said it would take measures to protect the tombs and preserve them for future research.
The discovery of the tombs has generated excitement among scholars of Chinese history and archaeology. Experts say the tombs could help shed new light on the Manchu people and their customs, which have been largely overlooked by historians.
The Qing dynasty was the last imperial dynasty in Chinese history, and it saw a period of significant cultural and economic growth. During this time, China expanded its territory and influence, establishing a vast empire that spanned much of East Asia.
However, the Qing dynasty was also marked by significant social and economic upheaval, including widespread poverty, famine, and corruption. The dynasty was eventually overthrown in 1912, following a series of uprisings and revolutions.
Today, the Qing dynasty is remembered as a complex and fascinating period in Chinese history. The discovery of the tombs in Foshan could provide new insights into this rich and diverse era, shedding light on the customs, beliefs, and lifestyles of the ruling Manchu elite
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