Tomb of Chen Mao

Tomb of Chen Mao

The Tomb of Chen Mao is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province.

Tomb of Chen Mao

Tomb of Chen Mao (Fourth Batch Provincial-Level Protected Site)

Period: Sui Dynasty

Location: Northeast of Chenping Village, Zhuoli Township, Linyi County

According to "Jinshi Cuibian" ("Collected Inscriptions"), it states: “Chen Mao was born in the third year of Yongxi during the Northern Wei Dynasty (534 AD), passed away in the fourteenth year of Kaihuang during the Sui Dynasty (594 AD), and was buried in the same year. The stele is believed to have been erected that year.” Chen Mao served through both the Northern Zhou and Sui dynasties, making contributions to the establishment and consolidation of the Sui Dynasty. After his death, he was granted a burial in his hometown. The original tomb complex was quite large, approximately 100 meters wide from north to south and about 200 meters long from east to west. Today, only the tomb mound of Chen Mao and the Chen Mao stele remain. The tomb mound faces south and is situated to the north, standing 4 meters high with a circumference of about 10 meters. The Chen Mao stele stands directly south of the tomb mound, measuring 1.95 meters in height and 0.75 meters in width. The inscription is in regular script with a seal-style title reading “Stele of Lord Chen, Governor of Liangzhou and Former Palace Attendant of the Great Sui.”

Chen Mao was a native of Yizhi in Hedong. He was born in the third year of Yongxi during the Northern Wei Dynasty (534 AD) and passed away in the fourteenth year of Kaihuang during the Sui Dynasty (594 AD).

Coming from a humble family background, he was known for his integrity and respectful demeanor, earning the respect of his local community. His grandfather served as Duke of Sui and recruited him as an aide, treating him on par with figures like Li Yuantong. He was often entrusted with managing household affairs, always meeting expectations, which earned him the duke’s favor. Later, he followed the Duke (Yang Jian) in battle against the Qi army at Jinzhou. The enemy forces were overwhelming, and when the Duke wished to engage in combat, Chen Mao strongly advised against it but was ignored, leading to him seizing the horse’s reins. The Duke, angered, drew his sword and struck Chen Mao on the forehead, drawing blood that covered his face, yet Chen Mao’s words and spirit remained unyielding. The Duke was moved and apologized to him, treating him with great respect afterward. He later rose to the rank of senior officer. When the Duke became Chancellor, he entrusted Chen Mao with... More detailed information about Chen Mao ++

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units in Shanxi Province