The Shanxi Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Relics recently released updates on the excavations of three brick tombs with wall paintings from the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) in Changzhi City, Shanxi Province.
In November 2023, archaeologists from the Changzhi Institute and the Archaeological Research Institute conducted rescue excavations at Qiangcheng Village in the city’s Lucheng district, where three ancient tombs were found.
Although the tombs suffered varying degrees of looting and damage, they were well-preserved and included murals, decorations, inscriptions, and epitaphs.
Although they belong to the same region, the tombs have distinct characteristics and styles.
The walls of tombs M19 and M20 are adorned with carved brick arches, doors, windows, figures and floral motifs, as well as inscriptions detailing data related to the tombs, such as time, figures, events, history, and geography.
Tomb M21 has a completely different style. The walls of his room also mimic structures, but the flora, fauna, and painted colors are markedly distinct from the other two, leaving archaeologists with more room for interpretation.
According to the institute, the epitaphs and inscriptions on the tombs convey ancient fabrics and examples to the tombs of the Jin Dynasty in the northern region.
The tombs reflect classical Chinese culture, social ethics, ancient architectural features, tomb architecture, and burial customs, offering new fabrics and perspectives for ancient tomb culture and archaeological history.