Buzz
Archaeologists, astonished by the unexpected discovery of a green object by the young sheepherder, unravel a 2,700-year-old mystery
This extraordinary tale unfolds in 1977 at Danjiangkou Reservoir, downstream of the Han River (Hubei Province, China). Rich in aquatic resources, it's a crucial reservoir in China's 'South-North Water Diversion' project. Local residents often cast nets for fishing.
In a rare event during the summer of 1977, two villagers came to fish at the reservoir. Expecting a large catch, they were surprised to find old copper objects instead of fish when pulling up the net.
Recognizing these artifacts, the villagers cast more nets, consistently pulling up valuable items. Subsequently, they decided to sell the discovered items from Danjiangkou Reservoir to antique dealers, becoming prosperous due to the high prices they fetched.
Since then, many have flocked to Danjiangkou Reservoir in hopes of finding treasures underwater, inspired by the fortunate villagers.
Not only grave robbers but even some antique hunters rushed here, causing numerous looting pits. As the water level in the reservoir rose, the influx of people searching for artifacts temporarily ceased.
In 1999, when Danjiangkou Reservoir dried up, two shepherd boys arrived. One boy accidentally tripped over something with a faint green glow. Curious, he picked up the strange object resembling a bronze pot with intricate patterns.
Immediately, this news reached the local cultural heritage management. They swiftly organized an archaeological team to the site where the bronze item was found. Using advanced tools for surveying, experts discovered numerous metal objects buried underground.
As a result, the archaeological team found many jade and bronze artifacts from the Spring and Autumn, Warring States periods in the area around where the shepherd boy picked up the strange object. Archaeologists deduced that there likely exists a large-scale ancient tomb of the State of Sui, a vassal state of the Chu during the Spring and Autumn, Warring States periods, lying beneath the Danjiangkou Reservoir.
Following this inference, archaeologists immediately sought permission from higher authorities for excavation in this area. At that time, the lakebed was dry, providing an opportune moment for excavation. With approval secured, archaeologists raced against time to carry out the excavation. It was during this special excavation that a bronze sword was discovered.
The mystery of the bronze sword unveils clues to a 2,700-year-old case
Many ancient relics and treasures were discovered in the 1999 excavation at Danjiangkou Reservoir, leaving archaeologists astonished and raising numerous questions. Among them, suspicions arose regarding the bronze sword. Why would an exceptionally valuable bronze sword appear in a small tomb of the State of Sui?
According to experts, considering the scale, this tomb is only the resting place of a relatively minor military commander of the State of Sui. So, who is the true owner of this bronze sword?
With the words 'Thái Hầu' or 'Sái Hầu' engraved on the sword, experts inferred that this could be the sword of a Sui State king from the Spring and Autumn period. However, later, experts faced difficulty as they found no king in historical records with a name matching the engraving on the sword.
Ultimately, a group of archaeologists invited Tôn Khải Khang, an expert from the Cultural Heritage Management Committee of Hubei Province, to conduct research and analysis. According to Tôn Khải Khang's analysis, an ancient character causing confusion could be translated as 'thuẫn' - a type of ancient weapon according to historical records. Thus, the name of this feudal lord might be related to this type of weapon.
With this clue, archaeologists delved into the historical records of kings during the Spring and Autumn period. Eventually, they focused on the name Sái Ai Hầu (? - 675 BCE), also known as Cơ Hiến Vũ, the 13th king of the State of Sui, a vassal state of the Chu.
Therefore, the owner of this bronze sword is identified as Sái Ai Hầu, a king of the State of Sui during the Spring and Autumn period. This bronze sword dates back approximately 2,700 years.
From the inscriptions on the sword and diligent research, experts and archaeologists discovered a tragic tale of the sword's owner.
According to historical records, in 684 BCE, Sái Ai Hầu and Tức Hầu (king of Tục) both traveled to the country of Trần. Upon their return, the wife of the king of Tục passed through the State of Sui. At that time, Sái Ai Hầu behaved disrespectfully towards the queen of Tục, infuriating Tức Hầu. Consequently, Tức Hầu secretly allied with the Van King of Sở, conspiring to lead an army to attack Tục's country.
Sở Văn Vương followed this plan, leading his army to attack Tục's country. Tức Hầu sought help from Sái Ai Hầu. True to form, Sái Ai Hầu led an army to rescue Tục's country. However, unable to withstand the formidable Sở army, Sái Ai Hầu was captured alive.
Sở Ai Hầu, despite being a monarch, endured imprisonment for 9 years in the State of Sở. Due to his resentment towards the king of Tục, he falsely praised the beauty of Tục's queen to Sở Van King. Enchanted by Tục's queen's beauty, Sở Van King took his army to defeat Tục's country and took the queen as his wife.
Although the plot succeeded, Sở Ai Hầu was not allowed to return to his country. Eventually, this monarch passed away in the State of Sở in 675 BCE. The people of Sui then enthroned his son, Cơ Hật, known as Sái Mục Hầu.
Regarding the bronze sword, experts believe it to be the inseparable possession of Sái Ai Hầu. However, after his imprisonment in the State of Sở, this sword also became a spoil of war in that country. So, why does the sword of a king appear in the tomb of a ordinary general in the State of Sở?
According to experts' speculation, it's highly likely that Sở Van King awarded this sword to the general who played a crucial role in capturing the king of Sái at that time.
In reality, approximately 2,700 years ago, being rewarded with war spoils by the king was the highest honor. Therefore, after the death of this general, taking the king's sword as a burial object was entirely reasonable.
This bronze sword has been recognized as a national treasure and is currently exhibited at the museum of Hubei province.
