One of the largest archeological excavations in China has concluded for now, but discoveries from the Haihunhou tomb continue to shed new light on life more than two thousand years ago. The tomb is the resting place for a short-lived emperor of the Han dynasty. We look at some of the latest findings from its relics.
One of the largest archeological excavations in China has concluded for now, but discoveries from the Haihunhou tomb continue to shed new light on life more than two thousand years ago.
These 12 bronze poise weights, marking six scales, was found inside a lacquerware piece. They were not discovered until researchers were cleaning the lacquerware at the lab.
"We found they make six scales, with the biggest two being a half kilo," said Yang Jun, Director of Haihunhou Archeological Team.
Experts think there should be a pair of scales nearby, but because it may have been made of wood, it would have decomposed. The scales could also be inside some other wares. These weighing tools might have been used for weighing precious metals like gold and silver, or other things like fragrances.
One of the largest archeological excavations in China has concluded for now, but discoveries from the Haihunhou tomb continue to shed new light on life more than two thousand years ago.
Compared to other weighing tools previously found in tombs, these poise weights are more precise, for measuring precious objects. They're unlike ones that are used for weighing big, yet not as precious objects.
Emperor Liu He was deposed only 27 days after taking power. Judging from the inscription on the scales, which uses Liu He's nickname rather than a proper address, the poise weights were made after he was deposed.
"The inscription 'Da Liu' indicates these poise weights were made during his ten years as a common person. He was not an emperor, not even a leader of a region. To mark some difference between him and other ordinary folks, it says 'Da Liu', meaning big Liu," said Yang Jun.
The Han dynasty's weighing system was passed down from the Qin dynasty. These new finds have shed new light on the weighing system of both the Qin and Han dynasty.
