Makimuku Kofun Cluster, Ancient burial mound complex in Sakurai, Japan
The Makimuku Kofun Cluster is a collection of ancient burial mounds shaped like keyholes, spread across a broad area near Mount Miwa in the Yamato region. These earthen structures display the construction methods and engineering of early Japanese societies during the 3rd century.
The mounds originated in the 3rd century and represent early developments in Japanese funeral architecture, with some tombs showing regional design variations. The site records a formative period in how ancient Japanese communities organized their burial practices.
These burial grounds reflect how ancient Japanese communities viewed death and social standing through the design and placement of tombs. The grouping of multiple mounds suggests a shared ceremonial landscape where different families or clans gathered for important rites.
The site can be explored on foot along marked pathways that wind through the mound complex, allowing views from different angles. Wear comfortable shoes since the terrain is uneven and walking covers considerable ground across open fields.
Excavations uncovered thousands of peach seeds buried in clay pits, suggesting offerings or provisions meant for the afterlife. These botanical remains provide a rare window into the material beliefs and food practices of that era.
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