Kibizuka Kofun, Circular burial mound in Takabatakechō, Japan
Kibizuka Kofun is a circular burial mound located on the grounds of Nara University of Education and surrounded by a defensive moat. The structure demonstrates ancient Japanese burial practices with its clean, symmetrical design and earthen construction.
This burial site dates to the Kofun period between 300 and 538 CE, when Japan experienced political consolidation under powerful clans. Such elaborate mounds rose during an era when construction projects reflected the authority and status of ruling families.
Terracotta figures called haniwa were positioned around the mound during funeral rites to honor the dead and mark territorial limits. These small sculptures reveal how ancient peoples expressed respect for their ancestors and defined their lands.
The site sits within university grounds, so access depends on the institution's operating hours and policies. Visitors should check ahead to understand how they can view the mound, as public access may be limited.
Unlike the widespread keyhole-shaped kofun found across Japan, this burial mound has a rare circular form. This unusual geometry makes it a noteworthy example of how ancient burial architecture varied from the standard designs of the era.
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