The Eastern Zhou Horse Sacrificial Pit

The Eastern Zhou Horse Sacrificial Pit

The Eastern Zhou Horse Sacrificial Pit is a burial site from the Spring and Autumn period for rulers and nobles of the Qi State. More than 20 large and medium-sized tombs have been discovered. A large-scale horse sacrificial pit was found around Tomb No. 5. The tomb chamber measures 26 meters from north to south and 23 meters from east to west, with a southern ramp 18 meters long and 12 meters wide. The coffin chamber is located in the center of the tomb. It is constructed from massive natural stones, measuring 8 meters in length from north to south, 7 meters in width from east to west, and 5 meters in depth. The tomb chamber was looted in ancient times, and all burial objects were lost. Only the horse sacrificial pit remains intact. The horse pit surrounds the tomb on the east, west, and north sides. The eastern and western sections are each 70 meters long, while the northern section is 75 meters long and 5 meters wide. The three sections connect naturally as one, with a total length of 215 meters.

In 1964, 54 meters of the western section of the northern side were excavated, uncovering 145 sacrificed horses; in 1972, 30 meters of the southwestern end were excavated, revealing 83 horses. Due to limitations at the time, both sections were backfilled for protection. In 1982, building upon the 1972 excavation, an additional 36.5 meters were cleared, yielding 106 more horses. Based on the average density of approximately 2.8 horses per meter, the total number of sacrificed horses is estimated to exceed 600. The sheer quantity and scale are unprecedented.

According to expert analysis, most of the horses were strong adults aged 6–7 years. They were humanely put down and arranged in a specific burial pattern. The horses are lined up in two rows, neatly arranged, lying on their sides with heads raised, legs curled, and in a battle-ready posture—as if ready to gallop at the sound of war drums.

In those times, the Chinese valued the power of horses on the battlefield. A “state of a thousand chariots” symbolized dominance over the land. Over 600 horses could equip more than 150 war chariots—equivalent to the entire military strength of a small feudal state. This highlights the economic prosperity and military might of the Qi State, the foremost of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period.

Research confirms that the tomb’s occupant was Duke Jing of Qi, named Chujiu, the 25th ruler of the Jiang clan of Qi. With the assistance of Yan Ying, he reigned for 58 years, the longest of any ruler in Qi’s history. Records indicate that in his later years, he “indulged in palace construction, dog and horse breeding, extravagance, heavy taxation, and harsh punishment,” leading a highly corrupt lifestyle. He had a particular fondness for horses, keeping specialists to care for them in the palace, and even executing stable hands when his favorite horses died.

The grand scale of the horse sacrifice reflects Duke Jing’s luxury and the formidable strength of the Qi State at the time. It also provides extremely valuable material for studying the history of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period—especially regarding its economy, military, and burial customs.

In 1982, with approval from the National Cultural Heritage Administration and funding from the municipal government, an elegant, traditional-style horse sacrificial exhibition hall was built on-site. Waterproofing, anti-corrosion, and dust-proofing measures were implemented to protect the horse bones. The site officially opened to the public in 1983.

The discovery and excavation of the horse sacrificial pit are truly rare. Since opening, it has attracted numerous visitors and drawn significant attention from people around the world. The renowned painter Liu Haisu, after viewing the site, immediately wrote the praise: “The miracle of the horse sacrifice is unmatched under heaven.” International guests, including former Austrian President Dr. Rudolf Kirchschläger, remarked on the spot: “This is an impressively unique historical site.” More than ten Chinese leaders, including Li Peng, Wan Li, Yang Jingren, and Lei Jieqiong, have visited the site and spoke highly of it.