Ancient tomb with ‘bridge of immortality’ found in China. It promised an eternal love
If you’re with the person you love, is one lifetime ever enough?
Those in Ming Dynasty China decided that they could have more time with their partner, even if it was in the afterlife.
Archaeologists have uncovered a dual-occupancy tomb in the Hunan Province, estimated to be over 400 years old, according to a March 7 news release from the Li County Archaeological Research and Cultural Relics Protection Center.
The researchers believe it was built during the Ming Dynasty, a period of time from 1368 to 1644 ruled by Zhu Yuanzhang. It was a period of strong Chinese influence both culturally and politically on its regional neighbors, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. It was also a period of decorative arts, pottery, bronzework and artistic achievement.
That was the case for this double-chambered tomb.
Archaeological experts said the tomb was the first mural tomb found in the region, and the inside was decorated with paintings of flowers and nature.
Though the tombs are now empty, likely due to grave robbers in centuries past, the researchers used infrared imaging technology to see what used to line the walls, according to the release.
The researchers said they could see phrases such as “full of gold and jade, long life and wealth, prosperous sons and grandsons, and titles of nobility” painted on the walls in the back of the tomb.
They believe that the occupants of the tomb had high social status because of the size and shape of the tomb, as well as what was painted inside.
It’s not the only thing that made this find special.
In between the two chambers of the tomb, there was a hole cut-out, connecting the two open spaces. The researchers said it was called a “bridge of immortality.”
In Ancient China, the “bridge of immortality” was a way for two people who were married in life to stay together, even in death. The hole gave a promise of an even better marriage in the afterlife, according to the release.
Researchers believe that the tomb was a final resting place for a husband and wife.
Baidu Translate was used to translate the news release from the Li County Archaeological Research and Cultural Relics Protection Center.
This story was originally published March 9, 2023 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Ancient tomb with ‘bridge of immortality’ found in China. It promised an eternal love."
