On June 27, Professor Zhou Ligang, from Zhengzhou University's School of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, shared archaeological research findings about Cao Cao's Gaoling Mausoleum during a lecture at Bao'an 1990 Theater in Shenzhen's Bao'an District.
The lecture is the 20th session of Bao'an Academy under the Chinese Civilization Origins Project.
Cao Cao, a statesman, military leader, and poet of the late Eastern Han period, is one of the best-known figures in Chinese history. Posthumously honored as Emperor Wu of Wei, he later became a central figure in the Three Kingdoms tradition and remains widely remembered through history, literature, opera, and popular culture.
His tomb has long been a subject of debate.
In 2009, archaeologists announced the discovery of a large late Eastern Han tomb in Xigaoxue Village, Anyang, Henan Province. Zhou said the identification of the tomb as Cao Cao's mausoleum is based on three key factors: time, location, and specific evidence.
More than 200 people attend the lecture.
The tomb dates from the late Eastern Han Dynasty to the Three Kingdoms era. Its location matches historical records concerning Cao Cao's mausoleum. Finds including stone tablets inscribed with "King Wu of Wei," royal-level ritual objects, and the remains of a male aged over 60 all point to the same conclusion.
"When these conditions are put together, there is no second candidate," Zhou said.
Professor Zhou Ligang
Zhou noted that Gaoling has gradually developed from the discovery of a single tomb into a broader archaeological complex. Since 2009, archaeologists have identified the mausoleum precinct, completed excavations, and confirmed accompanying tombs, affiliated burials, and later ritual remains.
By 2024, research on Cao Cao's Gaoling Mausoleum had produced more than 120 academic papers and 19 books, involving nearly 100 scholars.
A handicraft workshop is held after the lecture.
After the lecture, Zhou joined a dialogue with Tang Jigen, chair professor at Southern University of Science and Technology. One exchange focused on a stone relief associated with the story of "seven women taking revenge," showing how archaeological interpretation develops through evidence, comparison, and debate.
The lecture was the 20th session of Bao'an Academy under the Chinese Civilization Origins Project. More than 200 people attended in person, while about 45,000 viewers watched online.
A handicraft workshop is held after the lecture.
Reporter | Wang Yue
Photo | Nanfang Plus
