The special aspects of the burial architecture in China during the high middle age (Tang dynasty)

We consider here the main constructive features of 18 burial complexes (mausoleums), belonged to emperors and members of the ruling house of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). All the necropolises are located on the territory of the modern Shaanxi province, PRC. Only the Jinglin mausoleum, where the emperor Li Xuan (862-888) was buried, has been excavated by this moment. Most of the tombs were built in a similar pattern. Grave structures constructed on the southern slope of the hill, barrow with a height of approximately 20 m raised over the grave. The wall surround the complex all round, the roads were cut to the southern gates - the place of so-called “alley of spirits ”, formed by stone statues and pillars. Sacrificial hall adjoined the south wall and was off the “lower palace ”, where officials served in mausoleum had lived. The paintings covered the walls inside the tombs. Most of necropolises were robbed, however, we have available a large number of items made of glazed ceramics and porcelain: small plastic items, pottery and lamps, as well as artifacts made of iron, bronze, jade, and so on. Materials from the burial complexes of Tang emperors represent the source for the study of Chinese culture, and some aspects of material and spiritual culture of the nomadic populations in Northern Asia. The findings of recent years show that Chinese engineering and technical ideas influenced the formation of a weapon complex and harness, characterizing the nomadic culture. At the same time, there is the opposite impact: the individual elements of the nomadic burial practices were included into traditional Chinese burial custom and became an integral part of it.