Tomb of Fu Hao, Royal tomb at Yinxu archaeological site, China
The Tomb of Fu Hao is a royal burial chamber at the Yinxu archaeological site in Henan Province. The rectangular chamber extends eight meters deep into the ground and contained the coffin along with offerings of bronze, jade, and carved ivory.
Archaeologists found the burial chamber undisturbed in 1976 and identified it as belonging to Fu Hao, a consort of King Wu Ding from the Shang Dynasty in the 13th century BC. She led multiple military campaigns and played a major role in religious rituals of her time.
The burial chamber belongs to Fu Hao, a military commander and priestess whose name appears on oracle bones, indicating she owned her own estate and troops during the 13th century BC. Her grave shows the position of women in the ancient kingdom, who could lead armies and conduct religious ceremonies.
Access to the burial site is through the Yinxu grounds, which are open daily and can be toured on foot. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the archaeological area covers a large space and includes several excavation points.
Over 700 cowrie shells were scattered throughout the burial chamber, which served as currency during the Shang Dynasty period. The shells originated from tropical coasts far from the inland location and document long-distance trade networks.
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