2,100 Year-Old Royal Mausoleum Discovered in China

Archaeologists recently discovered the 2,100 year-old tomb of Chinese King Liu Fei, who died in 128 BC. The mountaintop excavation, which took two years, unearthed 10,000 artifacts made of gold, silver, bronze, and jade.

As befitting a ruler known for “extreme arrogance and luxury,” according to historians, Liu Fei entered the afterlife in grand style. Replete with all the treasures of the ancient world, his mausoleum offers a glimpse of his luxurious lifestyle, boasting:

• Three main tombs and 11 attendant tombs
• Two chariot/horse pits and two weaponry pits
• A full kitchen with bronze kitchenware and food
• Over 100,000 banliang coins (China’s first currency)
• Pottery, lacquer goods, silver, and gold
• Bronze elephants and rhinoceroses
• Life-sized and small chariots in gold and silver
• Iron weapons: swords, knives, spearheads, and crossbows
• Ancient instruments: chime bells, jade tuning pegs, and zithers
• A jade coffin (the most important discovery, according to archeologists)
• An adjacent tomb for Liu Fei’s beloved consort, Lady Nao

A 150-meter tall earth mound once guarded the ancient mausoleum complex, but has since been destroyed by looters who damaged Liu Fei’s coffin. Ironically, the king’s remains are nowhere to be found.

Modern Day Luxury

Many of us do not have the level of wealth and status that Liu Fei had when planning his mausoleum, but we do have the ability to choose how we are remembered for the ages. Private mausoleums provide the modern luxury of customization and personalization. What items, ideas, or people hold special meaning for you?

Take stock of your physical and social capital when considering your mausoleum design. Think about how you want to incorporate items like furniture, memorabilia, keepsakes, art pieces, statues, benches, and more into your private mausoleum. Also, consider using state-of-the-art technology, like temperature control, security systems, and computerized memorial access to keep your mausoleum safe.

Talk to an expert about planning a mausoleum fit for a king: (800) 298-4188.