Dear all, Victor Mair calls our attention to the following archaeological find. Thanks, Victor. Best, Tony Anthony DeBlasi Secretary-Treasurer T'ang Studies Society ----- Original Message ----- 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-mini... 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 847/9 Williams Hall University of Pennsylvania 255 South 36th St. Philadelphia, PA 19104-6305 USA Tel.: 215-898-8432 (**please leave a message!**) Dept. office: 215-898-7466 (for messages and inquiries) Fax: 215-573-9617 (mark for the attention of Prof. Victor H. Mair) e-mail: vmair@sas.upenn.edu (read infrequently) For a complete catalog of SINO-PLATONIC PAPERS (SPP) and information about ordering, go to www.sino-platonic.org New issues published regularly on the Web; all back issues still in print.