A significant archaeological discovery has emerged from Nara City, Japan, with the unearthing of what is believed to be traces from an ancient mound, or tumulus, measuring approximately 200 meters long. This site, known as the Sakikeno-jiri Tumulus, is thought to have been destroyed during the construction phase of Heijo-kyo, the capital of Japan during the Nara period. The Nara City Education Committee first announced the finding on March 1, 2025, shedding light on the historical significance of the site and the era’s monumental rulers.
According to the Nara City Education Committee, approximately 30 ancient tumuli have been identified as having been destroyed within the Heijo-kyo area, but the full extent of such significant structures being obliterated is rare.
Riku Murase, the curator overseeing the excavation, emphasized the historical weight of this discovery, remarking, "Finding such large tumuli completely destroyed is unprecedented across the nation. Given its scale, we believe it could belong to someone of significant authority during its time." The site underlines the close ties between the burial customs of Japan’s powerful figures and the historical narrative of the Nara period.
Situated adjacent to the Heijo Palace and within the Sakikofun group, the Sakikeno-jiri Tumulus is positioned near other significant burial sites, which historically hosted emperors and members of the royal family. Its proximity to the palace also suggests it would have held great loyalty and significance.
During the excavation, which took place as part of construction work, researchers discovered traces of what appear to be the moat surrounding the tumulus, alongside fragments of haniwa—ceremonial clay figures typically placed on burial mounds during the period. The haniwa fragments have been dated to the late 4th century, pointing to the potential cultural practices connected to this ancient community.
The tumulus features moats approximately 30 meters wide and indicates substantial efforts made by society to honor the deceased. Previous archaeological efforts had signaled the presence of another similar tumbler structure nearby, indicating the existence of great royal graves along the nearby areas.
Evidence suggests these tumulus structures were repurposed or destroyed during the construction of Heijo-kyo around 710 AD, signifying both the dynamic changes and challenges during the era. The 8th-century chronicles indicate mandates on how to respect burial sites identified during construction, clearly highlighting the respect once afforded to these tumuli. Murase noted the drastic impacts the capital's development had on the burial traditions of the time.
Onlookers and historians express excitement at the potential insights these excavations may yield about the ancient kinship, political hierarchy, and cultural practices of the Nara period, which paved the way for modern Japanese governance. The preservation and exploration of such sites are seen as imperative to piecing together the foundations of Japanese society.
Exhibits displaying the unearthed haniwa artifacts will be held at the Nara City Archaeological Center from March 3 to March 31, 2025, as cultural advocates and historians urge for continued recognition and documentation of the history buried beneath the modern urban sprawl of Nara.
This discovery reiterates the call for thorough archaeological surveys before construction projects, ensuring historical gravity is preserved. Murase concluded by affirming the exceptional commitment of archaeologists to disclose aspects of the past, saying, "There is still much work left to unearth our rich heritage, which holds tremendous value for contemporary society. The investigation and conservation of sites like the Sakikeno-jiri Tumulus will contribute enormously to our collective historical memory."