Western Zhou Li Hou Tombs

Western Zhou Li Hou Tombs

The Western Zhou Li Hou Tombs are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Western Zhou Li Hou Tombs are located in Licheng County within the Shangdang Basin of the Taihang Mountain area in Shanxi Province. The Qianlong edition of the "Shanxi Zhi Ji Yao" (Essentials of Shanxi Records) states that Licheng belonged to the Luzhou Prefecture and also records this place as the ancient State of Li. The "Book of Documents" mentions "King Wen of Zhou conquered Li," referring to this ancient State of Li. To the northeast of the tomb site lies the "Dongyang Pass" (formerly known as Hukou Pass), which was a vital passageway from Shanxi to the ancient states of Yan and Zhao.

Due to severe looting, the Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau, with approval from the National Cultural Relics Bureau, organized an archaeological team from January to September 2006. Led by the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology and with participation from the cultural relics management departments of Changzhi City and Licheng County, the team conducted investigations, surveys, and rescue excavations at the tomb site. The survey and exploration revealed that the tomb area covers approximately 40 acres. Among the identified tombs, there are large tombs with ramps, while medium and small-sized tombs have no ramps, and no clear arrangement pattern is evident among them. All tomb entrances are situated below disturbed soil layers, and Late Spring and Autumn period pottery shards were found in the overlying disturbed soil as well as in ash pits.

A total of 10 tombs were excavated, including 2 large, 5 medium, and 3 small tombs. Some were heavily looted, while others remained undisturbed. Over a thousand burial artifacts were unearthed, including bronzeware, jade artifacts, and pottery. Among them, several inscribed bronze artifacts were discovered, marking a significant archaeological find of this excavation. These confirm the exact location of the ancient feudal state and provide valuable physical materials for the study of China’s Shang and Zhou history.

The discovery of the Western Zhou Li Hou Tombs has unveiled the mystery of the ancient State of Li. It verifies records in historical texts such as the "Book of Documents" and "Zuo Zhuan," once again providing precious material evidence for China’s long-standing historical civilization. The discovery has drawn widespread attention and acclaim from domestic and international experts and scholars, with far-reaching social impact. In 2007, the National Cultural Relics Bureau recognized it as one of China’s major archaeological discoveries.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units