Asuka Kitora Tomb Star Chart Ceiling
Asuka Kitora Tomb Star Chart Ceiling North Annex · Asuka Site
Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)·Bronze Age·🇯🇵 Nara, Asuka, Japan
About
About Asuka Kitora Tomb Star Chart Ceiling
Asuka Kitora Tomb Star Chart Ceiling in Nara, Asuka, Japan is a Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE) tumulus attributed to Bronze Age. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal mound diameter 45 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 34.4590N 135.8060E controls access to Nara resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey tumulus for Nara, Asuka, illustrating Bronze Age construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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. 1800 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Elite burial mound with chamber and earthen tumulus
- Rediscovered
- 1962 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1800 BCE
Initial construction of Asuka Kitora Tomb Star Chart Ceiling main structure
c. 1942
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
2002–2017
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Asuka Kitora Tomb Star Chart Ceiling) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
34.4590° N · 135.8060° E · 374 m · 4 mapped features
- Asuka Kitora Tomb Star Chart Ceiling — Main StructurestructurePrincipal tumulus — Mound diameter 45 m with diagnostic masonry/panel34.4598° N · 135.8069° E
- Asuka Kitora Tomb Star Chart Ceiling — Ancillary ComplexcomplexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature34.4580° N · 135.8053° E
- Asuka Kitora Tomb Star Chart Ceiling — Peripheral FeatureoutlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial34.4605° N · 135.8072° E
- Asuka Kitora Tomb Star Chart Ceiling — Hydraulic/CisternhydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site34.4574° N · 135.8049° E
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