Maoling Pyramid – Tomb of Emperor Wu of Han
Mao Ling · Maoling Mausoleum · Emperor Wu tomb pyramid
Western Han (Han Wudi reign 141–87 BCE; tomb built 139–87 BCE)·Han Chinese (Western Han)·🇨🇳 Shaanxi, Xianyang, Xingping, China
About
About Maoling Pyramid – Tomb of Emperor Wu of Han
Largest pyramidal tomb in China for Emperor Wu of Han Liu Che (156–87 BCE, 54-year reign, Han zenith): rammed-earth truncated pyramid 222 × 217 m base, 46.5 m high (originally 46.5 from 24 m plateau), within 6 × 6 km spirit road park with 20 satellite tombs (Huo Qubing mound with horse, Wei Qing). White tiger hall east. Oriental Pyramid. World Heritage 2014 as part of Silk Roads: Chang'an.
Why it mattersClimax of Chinese earthen pyramid tradition spanning Han to Tang (500 mounds); Silk Road WHS demonstrates Han world system.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 0154-year reign fiscal strain: Sima Qian critique of extravagant tomb cost
Theories
- 01Pyramidal form feng shui Mount Buzhou cosmology – square earth mound as cosmic axis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- 139–87 BCE (52 years construction reportedly 1/3 imperial tax)
- Period
- Western Han (Han Wudi reign 141–87 BCE; tomb built 139–87 BCE)
- Culture
- Han Chinese (Western Han)
- Purpose
- Imperial mausoleum of Liu Che for afterlife mirroring Chang'an palace
- Excavation
- Unexcavated
139–87 BCE (52 years construction reportedly 1/3 imperial tax)
Initial construction
c. 1208 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
34.3383° N · 108.5695° E · 470 m · 3 mapped features
Maoling truncated pyramid 222×217m 46m
pyramidMain rammed-earth pyramid
34.3383° N · 108.5695° EHuo Qubing satellite tomb horse-trampling-barb mound
tombHuo Qubing rock-carved mausoleum boulder 1 km east
34.3395° N · 108.5720° ESpirit road east gate
gateEast gate with que tower foundations
34.3388° N · 108.5710° E
Gallery