Minegazuka Kofun, Keyhole-shaped burial mound in Habikino, Japan
The Minegazuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound in Habikino measuring 96 meters in total length. Its circular rear section spans 56 meters in diameter, while the rectangular front section extends 74.4 meters across, with two concentric moats surrounding the entire structure at widths of 11 and 8 meters.
This tomb was constructed in the late 5th century, demonstrating the technical skill and organizational power of its builders. Excavations in 1991 uncovered a central stone chamber containing the remains of an adult male along with over 3,500 burial items including weapons, horse equipment, and silver ornaments.
This burial mound is part of the Furuichi Kofun Cluster, reflecting how ancient Japanese rulers demonstrated their power and status through elaborate tomb construction. The site reveals the burial customs and social hierarchy of its time.
The site is accessible from the outside and the keyhole shape can be seen clearly from various vantage points around it. Walking around the perimeter allows you to appreciate the full scale of the structure and its surrounding moats without special permission or equipment.
The central stone chamber was constructed with exceptional durability and remained intact for more than a thousand years. This allowed archaeologists to recover the burial and its contents in remarkable condition, providing rare insights into ancient construction techniques and the wealth of the era.
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