Changes of Tomb Structure in Han China

According to Professor Yang’s statistical research, by 2007, discoveries of about 20,000 tombs of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) have been reported from nearly every corner of the empire. In fact, the total number of Han tombs excavated in China is no less than 100,000. So far, not many scholars have approached these widely distributed and numerous Han tombs comprehensively and systematically. Professor Yang’s talk will focus on the structure of Han tombs, with special attention to their typology and development. Professor Yang will also discuss the regional styles, the impact of the divergent geographic environment, the social and political conditions, and the relationship between tomb structures and mortuary rites.