Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan, Ancient burial mounds in Sakai, Japan
The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group consists of 49 keyhole-shaped burial mounds spread across three cities, ranking among the world's largest tomb structures. The site features mounds of varying sizes, many surrounded by moats and originally decorated with clay figurines arranged across their surfaces.
These burial mounds were built between the 3rd and 6th centuries as resting places for Japanese rulers and elite members. Their construction demonstrates the advanced organization and technical skill of this early society in building monumental structures.
Terracotta figures called haniwa, showing warriors and animals, were placed on the mounds as offerings to honor the dead. These sculptures reveal how ancient people commemorated their leaders and the importance of burial ceremonies in their society.
A viewing platform on the 21st floor of Sakai City Hall offers the best overview of the entire site. The area is accessible by train, with connections to all three locations where the mounds are spread across the region.
The largest tomb, called the Nintoku Imperial Tomb, stretches over 480 meters in length and surpasses the base size of major Egyptian pyramids. Its multiple surrounding moats show an impressive level of engineering expertise that was remarkable for its time.
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