Akatsuchiyama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Kansai, Japan
Akatsuchiyama Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound surrounded by moats that covers a large area of land. The structure displays characteristic features of major burial monuments from ancient Japan, with earthen walls forming the distinctive shape.
This burial mound was built between the 5th and 6th centuries during a formative period for the Japanese state. The rulers and regional leaders who commissioned it used such monuments to show their authority and importance.
Haniwa clay figures found around the mound offer a glimpse into the burial rituals and social status of people from the ancient Kofun period. These terracotta pieces reveal what mattered most to the communities that built this site.
Access to the site requires advance permission from local authorities since it is a protected historic location. Plan your visit ahead and check opening hours before you go.
Analysis of materials from the stone chamber reveals connections between regional elite families and their burial methods. These findings help researchers piece together the social structure of ancient Japanese society.
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