Haihunhou tomb excavation concluded with new discoveries

The excavation site of the Haihunhou tomb [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Over 5,000 bamboo slips are taken out

After arduous work, archeologists have successfully stripped more than 5,000 bamboo slips, and through infrared scanning, the dimmed handwriting is becoming clear. By initial interpretation, contents from ancient books such as The Analects of Confucius, The Book of Changes, The Book of Rites, and Medical Book can be seen on the bamboo slips.

Chi Hong said that the bamboo scripts will be further solidified, cleaned and scanned, and the preliminary protection and data extraction work will be finished before the end of 2016. Further interpretation and research will start next year.

Marquis Haihun was the title given to Liu He (92 BC-59 BC) after he was dethroned. Liu's reign lasted only 27 days, the shortest among Western Han monarchs. He lost his throne because of his debauchery and licentious lifestyle.

Nevertheless, he was allowed to reside near Boyang Lake and the title of marquis remained with his family for three generations.