Dear all,

Victor Mair calls our attention to the following archaeological find. Thanks, Victor.

Best,
Tony

Anthony DeBlasi
Secretary-Treasurer
T'ang Studies Society


From: "Victor Mair" <vmair@sas.upenn.edu>

Subject: tomb

PLEASE SHARE WITH THE WHOLE TANG STUDIES LIST and all others who might be interested


Was she Turkic?  Toba?

Stunning news!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shangguan_Wan%27er

She was a formidable woman, nearly the equal of Empress Wu Zetian, whom she served as personal secretary -- read the Wikipedia article and its links.

I'M TRYING TO GET HOLD OF THE EPITAPH AND WILL SHARE IT AS SOON AS I HAVE IT.

China finds ancient tomb of 'female prime minister'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24059286

The ancient tomb of a female politician in China, described as the country's "female prime minister", has been discovered, Chinese media say.

The tomb of Shangguan Wan'er, who lived from 664-710 AD, was recently found in Shaanxi province. Archaeologists confirmed the tomb was hers this week.

Tomb of China’s woman prime minister: The life and lovers of politician who served first female emperor and was eventually executed in a palace coup

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2418543/Tomb-Chinas-woman-prime-minister-The-life-lovers-politician-served-female-emperor.html

With good photos, including of the very important epitaph, and a video (you have to wait a while for it to play after you click on it).











all best,

Victor

-- 

Victor H. Mair, Professor of Chinese Language and Literature
Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations
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