Heated Discussion on Cao Cao Tomb Found in China

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Treasure, ancient traps and mysterious location, Cao Cao tomb is such a fascinating topic for Chinese. Legends report it was protected by 72 decoys to keep its location secret, but now it has been discovered and soon becomes the hottest topic in China.

But people are still questioning about its identity though the archeologists insist it is the real Cao Cao tomb. There are no enough evidence and it has been greatly disturbed by tomb raiders.

No matter whether it is real or not, this so called Cao Cao tomb will certainly bring large income to He Nan's travel industry as it has now become the hottest topic in China.

Who is Cao Cao?

"a skilful general and ruler in the third century who was later depicted in
popular folklore as the archetypal cunning politician". -- mailonline

Historians say "Cao Cao's outstanding military and political talents enabled him to build the strongest and most prosperous state in northern China during the Three Kingdoms period in 208 to 280 AD, when China had three separate rulers".

It is said that as a oustanding military officer, Cao Cao was afraid that his body would be digged out by his enemies so he made 72 tombs which were exactly the same to confuse the grave robbers. Time even adds more difficulties to the finding of his tomb.

Discovery of Cao Cao Tomb




picture from 163


According to Sina News, the discovery of Cao Cao tomb is attributed to one stone accidentally found by a peasant. It is actually the epitagh of a famous officer in the third century. The words in the stones tell out the information that Cao Cao tomb is placed near by.

"before being discovered, the place of Cao Cao tomb is for rock quarrying controlled by one of the brickyards. " one of the archeologists says, "some workers had found that the soil here was different from other places. A experience one at that time has concluded there is a tomb undernearth."

This information quickly spreaded. One day the villagers found that there was a big hole in the place--someone has robbed the tomb. A guy quickly reported this issue to the He Nan Bureau of Cutural Heritage. But the officers did not reply until one of the culture treasure being robbed from the tomb caught their attention.

"In 2008 they caught a number of tomb robbers and took back lots of historical relics." Jia Zhenlin, the Party Secratary of the vilage, tells reporter in 163 News, "The treasure caught the archeologists' attention. They conclude it must be a tomb belonging to a nobolity in the third century."

In 7th November 2008, the Bureau of Cutural Heritage finanlly gave out the permission to excavete the tomb, and then its identity was revealed by the archeologists in 2009.

Real Cao Cao Tomb or A lie for Money?

The revelation of the tomb attracts much attention. Almost all the media in China reported this issue and put it in the headline news. Even international news agents have noticed this incident and give fully report.

The mail online gives out title as "Cao Cao: Chinese archaeologists uncover vast tomb of infamous 3rd century ruler" on its website, the Guardian also reports it and names this discovery "would solve one of China's greatest historical puzzles".

But people in China are still quetioning its identity. They argue that no epitagh is found in the tomb, which makes it doutable. People criticize the government only wants to make profit out of this discovery and publize this issue without solid evident.

According to the estimating of the officers, the discovery of Cao Cao tomb will bring 0.4 billion RMB every year to the local government. Now people still wait for more detailed evident to prove its identity.