Complex Of Goguryeo Tombs: Beautiful Ancient Wall Paintings Displaying History And Mythology Of North Korea

A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - The beautifully colored ancient wall paintings in the Goguryeo tombs show images of animals, palaces, water wells, warriors, forests, birds, and astonishing landscapes. The complex of Koguryo Tombs is a truly fascinating ancient site rich in history. It offers us a rare glimpse of ancient Korean culture and mythology.

Between the fifth and seventh centuries B.C. , Goguryeo became one of the strongest kingdoms in the north east of China and the Korean Peninsula.

Tomb of the General - Image credit: www.eurasia.co.jp

Gwanggaeto Stele - one of the major primary sources for the history of Goguryeo is an important artifact.

The stele states that Jumong was the first king and ancestor of Goguryeo and that he was the son of the prince of Buyeo and daughter of Habaek, the god of the Amnok River. Jumong was widely known for his extraordinary archery skills.Acccording to ancient tradition, Jumong's biological father was said to be a man named Haemosu, described as a "strong man" and "a heavenly prince."

Goguryeo was one of the ancient Three Kingdoms of Korea and the empire was very powerful. The two other ancient kingdoms were Baekje and Silla and all these three kingdoms were arch rivals.

The emergence of these three kingdoms brought about a unified Korean peninsula in the years to come.

During a period of 700 years, 26 kings ruled the ancient kingdom and they did their best to make the empire prosperous and bring a difference in the lives of their people. Due to the number of conflict and invasions often taking place in this region, the Goguryeo kingdom had a well-organized military unit and people skilled in the art of warfare.

Anak Tomb, 357 A.D. North Korea, Hwanghae Province - Image credit: www.art-and-archaeology.com

Today, there is not much left of the magnificent Goguryeo kingdom, expect for beautiful complex of ancient tombs that offer a rare glimpse into the national treasures of North Korea.

Located in and around the city of Ji'an in China, the tombs of the ancient Koguryo Kingdom were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are about 10,000 Goguryeo tombs and about 90 of them have remarkable wall paintings that can be admired and give an insight into daily life of the vanished Koguryo culture. It is believed that these paintings were made in memory of the kings or members of the royal family and they are the only source of understanding the history and culture of this country.

Koguryo has two cities, Guonei and Wandu, which are respectively located on a plain and the nearby mountain in Ji'an City. Image credit: China.org.cn

The Koguryo Tombs are located in Pyongyang and surrounding provinces and they can be found mainly in at the foot of mountains and some in villages. The entire complex includes both groups and individual tombs that are built of stone and covered with stone or earthen mounds.

See also:

Yungang Grottoes: Marvellous Example Of Ancient Buddhist Rock-Cut Architecture

Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang, China – Fascinating Statues, Manuscripts And Wall Paintings

Ancient Secrets Hidden In The Piyang Caves – Near The Sacred Mount Of Kailash

Inside the complex of Koguryo tombs we can find single chamber, two chambers, and multi-chambers with side chambers and these ancient resting places were especially built for kings, members of the royal family and the aristocracy.

The Dark Warrior - Gangseo Tomb - Image credit: www.art-and-archaeology.com

Unfortunately, many of the ancient tombs have been looted and there are still several that have not been examined by scientists.

However, those that remain largely intact and the wall paintings possess sufficient integrity display images telling stories about ancient burial customs, daily life and beliefs of the Koguryo culture.

The Koguryo kingdom is long lost, but certainly not forgotten.

Written by – A. Sutherland  - AncientPages.com Senior Staff Writer

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