KITORA tumulus

Brief description of Kitora Tumulus

101About Kitora Tumulus
102About the Kitora Tumulus Special Historic Site
103The mystery of who lies buried in Kitora Tumulus
104◎The mound of Kitora Tumulus was made by tamping down soil in multiple layers with the rammed earth method.
105◎This stone sealed the entrance to the burial chamber. A hole made by looting in the Kamakura period is at top left.
106◎The origin of the name "Kitora"
107The inside of the stone chamber is unexpectedly small, measuring 1.2 m high, by 1.0 m wide and 2.4 m long.
108Kitora Tumulus embodies the concept of the four directional deities.
109The size of Kitora Tumulus indicates construction at the end of the Kofun period.
110Ancient Japanese culture derived from the cultures of East Asia.
111Comparing Kitora Tumulus with Takamatsuzuka Tumulus
112The ceiling of the stone chamber of Kitora Tumulus displays a precisely drawn celestial map.
113The four directional deities of Kitora Tumulus are so realistic they seem to move.
114Paintings of Chinese zodiac images with animal heads on human bodies have been found only at Kitora Tumulus among all tomb murals in Japan.
115Various tumulus shapes
History of studies and research on Kitora Tumulus

201It all began with word from a local resident.
202The inside of the stone chamber is investigated without excavating.
203Researchers lay their eyes on the murals for the first time.
204The challenge is how to protect murals that would disintegrate if left as they are.
205A photo map of 1,200 images is created.
206First, new methods must be devised.
207The daily challenge of handling the thin plaster.
208Unraveling Kitora's mysteries from surviving materials.
209The murals' beautiful appearance is restored using modern technology.
210The tomb returns to its quiet sleep.
Immigrant culture and ancient Asuka

301Who were the immigrants?
302Lifestyle of the immigrants
303The first immigrant to settle in Asuka was Hinokuma no Tami no Tsukai Hakatoko.
304The remains of a foreign lifestyle are visible at the Hinokuma site group and environs.
305Hinokuma temple is thought to have been the temple of the distinguished immigrant family, Yamato no Aya.
Other tumuli and cultural facilities within a 4 km radius of Kitora Tumulus

401Other tumuli and cultural facilities within a 4 km radius of Kitora Tumulus
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