The “Black Dragon Gate” site and Architectural Foundation No. 4 of Zuling Mausoleum precinct of the Liao Dynasty

Second Inner Mongolian Archaeologic Second Inner Mongolian Archaeologic,Inner Mongolian Institute Of Cultur Inner Mongolian Institute Of Cultur,Ia Ia,Cass Cass

doi:10.1515/char-2012-0012

Second Inner Mongolian Archaeologic Second Inner Mongolian Archaeologic, Inner Mongolian Institute Of Cultur Inner Mongolian Institute Of Cultur + Show 2 more

https://doi.org/10.1515/char-2012-0012

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Journal: Chinese Archaeology

Publication Date: Jan 1, 2012

Abstract

AbstractIn 2010, the Gate No. 1 and Architectural Foundation No. 4 of the Zuling Mausoleum precinct of the Liao Dynasty in Bairin Left Banner, Inner Mongolia are excavated. The excavation revealed that Gate No. 1 was composed of gateways, precinct walls, ramps, culverts and the lofty gate tower; it would be the “Heilong Men (Black Dragon Gate)” in the historic literature. Architectural Foundation No. 4 is in a roughly square plan and facing east; six column bases are found on each side, which means that the main body of the original architecture was composed of five bays both longitudinally and transversely. The porcelains, bronzes and iron wares unearthed from a pit (K1) to the east of this architectural foundation proved that it was an offering hall. This is the first excavation to the gates of the imperial mausoleums of the Liao Dynasty and has important academic meanings.

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