20 tombs of ancient times unearthed in South Gyeongsang Province

The Gaya National Research Institute under the Cultural Heritage of Cultural Heritage Administration revealed on Thursday that 21 ancient tombs were newly unearthed at Gyo-dong and Songhyeon-dong in Changnyeong-gun, South Gyeongsang Province. Archaeological field survey has confirmed that the area used to be a cemetery with 217 tombs of the ruling class in times of Bihwagaya, one of six Gayas that had occupied the area where Changnyeong sits today.

Having initiated the excavation from April 2014, the institute discovered six burial mound tombs (made with earth or stones) and 15 stone-lined tombs. Given past trace and relics, they are assumed to have been built in the mid-5th century when Gyo-dong ancient tombs began to be established.

Inside the tombs were swords with Ring Pommel, iron-made arrowheads, gags and strap pendants. The institute said that the recent excavation confirmed the way wooden columns were built between stone-lined walls and eyebrow-shaped ditches were dug around tombs.

sukim@donga.com