Mawangdui Han Tomb 1 East Chamber
Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)·Bronze Age·🇨🇳 Hunan, Changsha, China
About
About Mawangdui Han Tomb 1 East Chamber
Mawangdui Han Tomb 1 East Chamber in Hunan, Changsha, China 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 28.2090N 112.9800E controls access to Hunan 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 Hunan, Changsha, 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
- 1993 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1800 BCE
Initial construction of Mawangdui Han Tomb 1 East Chamber main structure
c. 1933
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1993–2008
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Mawangdui Han Tomb 1 East Chamber) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
28.2090° N · 112.9800° E · 311 m · 3 mapped features
Mawangdui Han Tomb 1 East Chamber — Main Structure
structurePrincipal tumulus — Mound diameter 45 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
28.2098° N · 112.9809° EMawangdui Han Tomb 1 East Chamber — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
28.2080° N · 112.9793° EMawangdui Han Tomb 1 East Chamber — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
28.2105° N · 112.9812° E