Dunhuang — Mogao Cave 96 Ancillary Corridor
莫高窟 · Mogao Corridor
Bronze to Iron Age (2000 BCE–300 CE)·Rock-cut tradition·🇨🇳 Gansu, Dunhuang, Mogao, China
About
About Dunhuang — Mogao Cave 96 Ancillary Corridor
Dunhuang — Mogao Cave 96 Ancillary Corridor in Gansu, Dunhuang, Mogao, China is a Bronze to Iron Age (2000 BCE–300 CE) rock_cut attributed to Rock-cut tradition. Systematic survey and LiDAR document radiocarbon sequence. The site includes a principal enclosure and ancillary settlement. Dimensions 429m × 236m; area unmeasured ha. Excavation excavated; condition ruins. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Rock-cut tradition rock_cut with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 1140 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Relation to regional network
- 02Function and labor organization
Theories
- 01Ritual landscape model
- 02Territorial marker
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 600 BCE
- Period
- Bronze to Iron Age (2000 BCE–300 CE)
- Culture
- Rock-cut tradition
- Purpose
- Rock-cut tomb and sanctuary
- Rediscovered
- 1987
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 600 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 961 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1881
Modern rediscovery and excavation
c. 1548 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
40.0400° N · 94.8000° E · 1140 m · 3 mapped features
Principal Monument
structurePrincipal Monument at Dunhuang — Mogao Cave 96 Ancillary Corridor — structure with stratified deposits
40.0393° N · 94.8018° EAncillary Complex
complexAncillary Complex at Dunhuang — Mogao Cave 96 Ancillary Corridor — complex with stratified deposits
40.0384° N · 94.7988° EOutlier Feature
outlierOutlier Feature at Dunhuang — Mogao Cave 96 Ancillary Corridor — outlier with stratified deposits
40.0388° N · 94.8023° E