Kōmyōsan Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Kōmyōsan Kofun is an ancient burial mound shaped like a keyhole, with a square front section and a circular rear chamber connected together. The structure covers a large area and is completely earthen, built without the use of stones or other permanent materials on its surface.
This burial mound was built during the Kofun period, when powerful rulers commissioned such monuments to display their authority and importance. The exact age remains uncertain, but archaeological evidence suggests it was constructed sometime in the middle centuries of this cultural era.
The site reflects the status and power of the person buried there, as such elaborate tombs were built only for the highest members of society. The location in this region shows how political authority was distributed across different areas of ancient Japan.
The site can be explored by walking along marked paths that offer different views of the mound from various vantage points. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the terrain can be uneven in places.
Excavations uncovered bronze mirrors and other objects that reveal connections to trade networks spanning from this region to mainland territories. These discoveries show that this burial site was connected to a broader network of communication and exchange across wider regions.
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