King So Khae Liet, who ruled from 262 to 238 BC, may be the owner of the largest and most advanced tomb from the Warring States period, dating back 2,200 years. This tomb, known as Wuwangdun, is located in Anhui province and is considered to be the largest and most prestigious tomb from the Chu state during its peak.
The State of Chu ruled over large areas along the Yangtze River for about 800 years before being invaded by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 223 BC. Researchers have long debated about the identity of the tomb’s owner, with King So Khae Liet being a leading candidate. He was sent as a hostage to the powerful Qin state as a crown prince at a young age and later returned to claim his throne in Chu.
The ongoing excavation and research at Wuwangdun has led to the discovery of over 1,000 artifacts, including bronze pots, household items, lacquerware, wooden furniture, musical instruments, and statues. Inscriptions found in the tomb offer insight into the society during the Chu period and the late Warring States period. These artifacts provide valuable information about the lifestyle and customs of people living during that era.
Gong Xicheng, a researcher at Anhui Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology