In central Japan, archaeologists have found coins minted during the Chinese Empire, lying in a cavity for several centuries. An important discovery for historians: a large portion of the 100,000 pieces recovered date back to the early era of feudal Japan.
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In the center of Japan, in the city of Maebashi, archaeologists were surprised to make a discovery that was impressive to say the least. In a cavity dug in the ground, measuring one meter by sixty centimeters, the workers found a real treasure, worthy of adventure novels. In the small pit, about 100,000 ancient pieces were deposited since the 13th century, just a few centimeters above the ground surface.I century. The excavations took place in the Sojamachi district in the center of the country. The district was an important place in medieval Japan and the discovery of coins is a marker of the Kamakura period spanning from 1185 to 1333.
Currency of the Unified Chinese Empire
Held together with straw ropes, the oldest fragments examined date back to 175 BC. Some are marked ” restrictions “ And ” Liang », The ban liang is the first unified currency in the vast Chinese empire. The first Ban Liang appeared in the State of Qin around 210 BC, which continued over the years, particularly developing during the Han dynasty, between 200 BC and 220 BC. Of the 100,000 pieces found, a little more than 334 were examined. Archaeologist. They determined that if the oldest fragment dates back 2,200 years, the newest fragment was made in the 13th century.I century BC
The hidden treasure of a dignitary from medieval Japan?
This cache dates from the era of the Kamakura Shogunate, which was a particularly complex era from a political point of view. During the 1270s, Japan faced several invasion attempts on the main island by the Mongols, led by the cruel Kublai Khan. Since Japan was structured around a feudal system, the country experienced social and political crises, with many provinces experiencing power struggles. The excavation of Maebashi’s treasure remains a puzzle at present. Who would have buried this amount of money and for what purpose? For historians, this may be a sign of instability in the region: wealthy personalities may have wanted to hide the pieces so as not to arouse greed, or have them stolen. Further investigation of the rooms and additional research at the excavation site will allow scientists to learn more about the layout of the district during the medieval period.