In a significant revelation, Chinese researchers have unearthed what they assert to be the inaugural fully preserved skeleton of a giant panda, nestled within the tomb of an emperor from the Han dynasty. This is a historical epoch that stretches back over 2,000 years.
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A hungry giant panda enjoys bamboo at a zoo in Beijing on May 24, 2008 after being evacuated from the famed Wolong breeding centre in southwest China's Sichuan province due to food shortages and damage caused by the May 12 earthquake.
Unearthing 2000-year-old Giant Panda Remains
A significant revelation has emerged as the skeletal remains of a colossal panda have been brought to light within the confines of an ancient Chinese imperial tomb. Interesting Engineering reported that this unprecedented finding marks the initial discovery of an entire giant panda skeleton within the tomb of an emperor from the illustrious Han dynasty, spanning more than two millennia into the past.
Archaeologists have put forth that the panda's presence likely originated from a sacrificial rite, as it was laid to rest alongside Emperor Wen, who held sway from 180 to 157 BCE. With the emperor's demise in 157 BCE, the panda was interred to accompany him on his journey to the afterlife.
Situated in contemporary Xian, within the province of Shaanxi, this tomb stands as a testament to China's erstwhile capital. The meticulous exploration of this historic resting place was undertaken by a dedicated team of archaeologists hailing from the esteemed Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology.
According to Hu Songmei, an archaeologist associated with the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology, an unprecedented event occurred with the discovery of a fully intact panda skeleton within an emperor's tomb, as reported by Ancient Origins.
This marks the inaugural instance of a complete panda skeleton being located in such a context. In a historical context, Hu Songmei mentions that a giant panda skull had been uncovered in the tomb of Emperor Wen's mother, Consort Bo, back in 1975, albeit without the accompanying body.
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Recovering Other Animals from Royal Tombs
Within the regal tombs of Shaanxi, South China Morning Post reported that archaeologists have unearthed a diverse collection of untamed creatures, hypothesized to have served as symbols of prestige for the Han dynasty rulers.
Notably, Hu and her team made an intriguing discovery: the skeletal remains of an Asian tapir. This species, now extinct in China for around a millennium, holds the distinction of being classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Beside the emperor, the tombs housed tigers and yaks, underscoring their symbolism in the burial rituals. Remarkably, within the sepulcher of the emperor's mother, an assortment of creatures emerged, including a red-crowned crane, a peacock, a snub-nosed monkey, and a tortoise.
Importantly, these unique and untamed animals manifested exclusively within the tombs of the emperor, empress, and the emperor's mother. Hu speculates that several of these creatures might have been bestowed as offerings, potentially originating from the southern reaches of China.
DNA analysis will be carried out by archaeologists to unravel the dietary preferences of these animals during the historical era and to trace their geographical origins. An emblem of the past, this tapir's presence within the tomb reveals glimpses into ancient ecosystems and the cultural significance of such creatures in historical contexts.
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