subject: Zhaoling Tomb, an Ancient Wonder [print this page] Zhaoling Tomb, an Ancient Wonder Zhaoling Tomb, an Ancient Wonder
The Zhaoling Tomb is the mausoleum of Emperor Li Shimin, also known as emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. This emperor is renowned as one of the greatest rulers in the history of China, and his tomb is situated in Jiuzong Mountain 83 km from the downtown area of Xian. The most expansive royal mausoleum on the globe, Zhaoling is the biggest among the 18 Tang Dynasty mausoleums.
Encompassing an area of 87.5 square miles, Zhaoling also features satellite tombs numbering 190, which house the remains of members of royal families, eminent ministers and high ranking officials. The positioning of the tomb of the emperor overlooking the satellite tombs signifies the emperor's supreme authority.
According to legend, before her demise the Empress Wende, consort of Emperor Taizong, requested that she be buried against a mountain, without the need for a tomb. After the burial of the empress, the emperor inscribed on her tombstone that the emperor considered that the whole world was family, and was not bound to a mausoleum.
In fact, in the imperial mausoleum on Jiuzong mountain there is little of material value; without jade, gold or precious materials, the tomb only contains works of art and a few wooden and earthenware items. However, there is no doubt that overall the tomb complex is extravagant rather than being modest.
The building of the mausoleum, in fact, took no less than 107 years to complete, commencing with Empress Wende's burial in 636 extending to final completion in the year 741. Numerous cultural relics were placed both below and above ground at the mausoleum.
Today, the mausoleum is recognized as an important repository which provides a great deal of knowledge about the politics, culture and economy of Chinese society in feudal times. Zhaoling is noted for containing extensive numbers of sculpture, calligraphy and painting items. Renowned calligraphers were commissioned to inscribe the tomb with epitaphs. The Zhaoling murals are considered to be a representation of everyday life at the time of the Tang Dynasty. The brightly-coloured glazed pottery creations found at the site are also valued highly.
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