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Massive Number Of Horse Skeletons Discovered Within The Tomb Of Chinese Ruler

Archaeologists made a stunning excavation in 1964 in China, revealing a tomb with hundreds of horse remains in neatly row order. According to scientists, the tomb was of a person with high social status in the past, suggested by the complexity and the massive size of the burials.

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Not long after, the tomb was determined to be the burial site of Duke Jing of Qi, whose sacrifice conducted in his honor included the vast number of horse remains. Archaeologists have only recently come back to the tomb, expecting to study more about the secrets related to the burial, history, and army size in the pre-Qin era.

The Sacrificial Horse Pit of Jing’s Tomb

Duke Jing of Qi was entombed at Yatou in Linzi District of Zibo, Shandong Province, where experts unearthed the sacrificial interment of 145 horses in a pit with a length of 215 m (705 ft.), encircling 3 sides of the tomb.

Source: Through The Eyes Of A City Mouse

Another 106 remains of horses, believed to be young, from 5 to 7 years old upon the sacrifice, were discovered after 7 years. Experts supposed that the horses were struck upon the head after being unconscious owing to alcohol.
Because of insufficient preparations, scientists had to pause the excavations, while also guessed that up to 600 more horses are deposited with 30 dogs, 2 pigs and 6 other domesticated animals. Up to now, the site is the largest to have been found.

New Excavations Conducted

Source: Through The Eyes Of A City Mouse

The work has been continued at the burial site of Duke Jing, after 16 years halted, and archaeologists are determined to identify the exact number of horses underneath the site.
During the initial excavations, more than 3,000 cultural artifacts were discovered, reported Xinhua News Agency, and experts are looking forward to discovering more within the next 8 months of resuming the work.

Source: Through The Eyes Of A City Mouse

Currently, there has been a museum at the very location near the Tomb of Duke Jing, while the site itself became a National Historical and Cultural Site. The discovery of the horse skeletons is still beyond belief, as it is unimaginable to think of such a large size and complexity of sacrifice.
Recorded documents revealed that this sacrifice was conducted as a gesture of great honor towards the fallen king, because Duke Jing was infatuated with horses.
H/T: Ancient Origins
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