Latest Archaeological Findings at Mausoleum of Cao Cao Unveiled

Latest archaeological findings at the mausoleum of Cao Cao (155-220), founder of the Wei (220-266), one of the three kingdoms in the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), suggested that the remains of the houses located to the west of the mausoleum were built during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) probably for those guarding the mausoleum. To the west of the mausoleum, archaeologists discovered the remains of drainage facilities and houses, with a large number of porcelain, coins and entertainment products unearthed. In 963, Zhao Kuangyin (927-976), the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), issued an imperial edict to protect the mausoleums of the former emperors, kings or celebrities. Three households were ordered to protect the mausoleum of Cao Cao at that time. Judging from the archaeological findings and historical documents, archaeologists believe that the remains of the houses mentioned above are probably related to those guarding the mausoleum. (Chinese source: Henan Daily Reporter: Zhang Tiyi Translator: Zhao Hanqing Yang Jiaxin Proofreader: Zhang Junping)