Maebashi-futagoyama-kofun, Ancient burial mound in Maebashi, Japan
Maebashi-futagoyama-kofun is a two-tiered burial mound stretching about 96 meters long and rising roughly 6 meters high. A shield-shaped moat encircles the entire mound, distinguishing it from other ancient burial structures in the region.
Built in the middle of the 6th century, this mound represents the height of kofun burial traditions in Japan. Its designation as a National Historic Site in 1936 recognized its importance within the larger Asakura-Hirose kofun cluster.
The ceremonial space on the northeast side reveals how people organized funerals and valued their leaders at that time. Walking around the mound, you can sense the respect and care placed on burial customs during this era.
The adjacent museum called Haniwa no Yakata displays objects discovered during excavations and shares details about the mound's structure. This museum provides helpful background before or after you explore the site itself.
The moat surrounding this mound has a shield shape rather than a circular form, which is uncommon among similar burial structures. This unusual design suggests advanced engineering techniques and possibly the high status of the person buried here.
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