In the spring of 2000, a mysterious explosion rocked Dahong village in Changtan town, Chungchang district, Hubei province, China. The blast, distinct from typical fireworks, led villagers to a startling discovery—an ancient tomb with a black hole in its wake. This extraordinary event marked the unearthing of a hidden treasure, captivating archaeologists and revealing the opulent history of King Luong Trang, a prince of the Ming Dynasty.
The tomb was revealed after a loud explosion, surprising archaeologists. (Photo: Sohu)
King Luong Trang, the owner of the tomb, was a prince of Minh Nhan Tong of the Ming dynasty. (Photo: Sohu)
The tomb, measuring only 31 square meters, proved challenging to excavate due to its robust structure. Archaeologists, undeterred, dismantled a massive stone gate to reveal a smaller tomb behind. Despite initial disappointment, the discovery of an epitaph inside identifying the tomb as that of Liang Zhuang Wang Zhanwei (King Luong Trang) ignited excitement among experts.
The number of highly valuable cultural relics inside the tomb of King Luong Trang reaches into the thousands. (Photo: Sohu)
King Luong Trang, the 9th child of Ming Nhan Tong, the fourth emperor of the Ming Dynasty, had lost his royal title due to the absence of a male heir. The tomb, submerged in water, held the promise of a wealth of artifacts and cultural relics.
Close-up images of some treasures inside the tomb of King Luong Trang. (Photo: Sohu)
Upon further exploration, the tomb yielded a staggering 5,300 highly valuable cultural relics, primarily comprising gold, silver, jade, precious stones, and porcelain. The sheer quantity and quality of the items surpassed expectations, making it one of the most opulent tombs ever discovered, comparable to those of emperors.
Most of the treasures in the tomb are of great value. (Photo: Sohu)
The tomb’s treasures included 16kg of gemstone jewelry, 13kg of silver, and 14kg of gemstones. Notably, a single gold bar was estimated to be worth over 1,000,000 yuan. The gemstones used in jewelry, numbering 700, featured diverse types such as rubies, precious gems, emeralds, and opals. Among them, a 200-carat sapphire stood out as the largest found in China.
Detailed images of some precious treasures excavated from the tomb of King Luong Trang.
The tomb’s artifacts showcased exceptional craftsmanship, with items like a gold base topped by a spirited anti-water block and gold rings inlaid with jade engraved with dragon images. Experts hailed these treasures as national treasures, collectively worth billions of dong, equivalent to the cost of hundreds of high-end villas.
An exquisite dragon-carved jade jewelry (Photo: baike.baidu.com)
The artifact is said to be the most precious in the mausoleum with a 200-carat turquoise stone on a gold object studded with gems around it (Photo: Baike.baidu.com)
King Luong Trang’s immense wealth was attributed to the prosperous Ming Dynasty era. Following his father’s death, his elder brother ascended the throne, and various younger brothers, including Luong Trang Vuong, received substantial inheritances. Luong Trang Vuong’s assets, twice that of his brothers, were amassed by Trinh Hoa, a renowned imperial explorer who collected gems, including emeralds and rubies, from various locations.
The excavation of King Luong Trang’s tomb not only marked a significant event in Chinese archaeology but also provided valuable insights into the Ming Dynasty’s royal lifestyle. This princely tomb, though small in size, stands as a testament to the grandeur and wealth of a bygone era, allowing future generations to marvel at the opulence of a Ming Dynasty prince.