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No.
3 Western Xia Mausoleum to Be Excavated
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????Excavation and rectification
of No.3 Mausoleum of Western Xia kings will be soon launched, The
Western Xia Mausoleums, found by accident in 1972, enjoy a reputation
as the "Pyramids in the Orient." They cover a total area
of 50 square km, containing tombs of nine kings and subordinate
tombs of 253 imperial princes and court ministers. Through years
of war, wind and sand erosion, flood and human destruction, they
were now in dangerous situation.
????This time, 11 ruins will be unearthed and rectified, covering
16,519 square meters. It will be a protective excavation on the
largest scale since 1972. Experts believe the occupant of No.3 mausoleum
might be Li Yuanhao (1004-1048), the first king of the Western Xia.
Most archaeologists agree with the opinion, but it has yet to be
proved. With the work done, the Western Xia Mausoleum will be unveiled
comprehensively and systematically for the first time to the world.
????Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji showed great concern over the protection
of Western Xia Mausoleums. The State Planning Commission has appropriated
10 million yuan for the protection work.
????The excavation will touch only building ruins on the ground, and
not the underground palaces. By collecting and collating firsthand
materials on overall building shape, structure, size and features
of the mausoleum, later maintenance and protection work should be
easier. The No.3 Mausoleum will provide important materials for
the study of the tomb system and the overall society and history
of the Western Xia Kingdom.
????The idea that "researchers enjoy intellectual property rights
over research achievements" was for the first time put forward
during the excavation and recorded. Undoubtedly, this will exert
positive influences on respecting knowledge and deepening archaeological
reform.
????Archaeological experts from the State Bureau of Cultural Relics
will guide the work, and an archaeological team led by Cultural
Relics and Archaeological Research Institute of the Ningxia Hui
Autonomous Region has been set up. The field excavations will be
completed next year.
(CIIC)
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