Archaeologists believe that the largest and most advanced tomb from the Warring States period, dating back 2,200 years, may belong to King So Khae Liet, who ruled from 262 to 238 BC. Gong Xicheng, a researcher at Anhui Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archeology, mentioned that experts are working on excavating the Wuwangdun tomb, which is approximately 1.5 square meters wide in Anhui province. The tomb, considered the largest and most prestigious from the Chu state during its prosperous rule, has sparked debates among researchers over the years regarding its intended occupant.
The State of Chu ruled large areas along the Yangtze River during its peak for around 800 years until it was invaded by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 223 BC. The research team suggests that the tomb may have been built for King So Khao Liet, also known as Hung Hoan, who ruled the state of Chu for over two decades during the Warring States period. King So Khae Liet had a complex history where he was taken as a hostage to the Qin state as a crown prince before eventually inheriting the throne of Chu and making it his own.
In his final days as king of Chu, King Kho Liet moved the capital east to Shochun. The Wuwangdun tomb is located not far from ancient capital ruins. Unearthing more than 1,000 artifacts such as bronze ware, lacquerware musical instruments and more have shed light on society during Chu’s prosperous period and late Warring States era.
Through careful excavation and analysis of these artifacts and inscriptions found in tombs researchers hope to uncover more clues about
