Chinese archeologists in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
recently discovered what they believe is the tomb of Genghis Khan,
who founded ancient Mongolia and whose grandson Kublai Khan
established the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).
The tomb is located in Qinghe County in northern Xinjiang. For
years archeologists have theorized the body of Genghis Khan was
buried at a place in Mt. Altay. The tomb is flanked by two lakes,
which are connected with a man-made canal.
"This is the real tomb of Genghis Khan. The tomb at the Gandeli
teppe in southwestern Inner Mongolia was not the burial ground of
this ancient Mongol ruler," said Zhang Hui, a research fellow at
the Xinjiang Museum.
The Mongolian strategist died of illness in 1227 at Liupanshan, in
today's Gansu province, and was buried in secret by his generals
according to Mongol tradition in his hometown. Mongol studies
specialists around the world have never agreed on where he was
buried.
About 400 meters away from the newly-found grave stands a 20-
meter-high tomb with a diameter of 78 meters. A number of Chinese
historians and archeologists inferred it was the tomb of one of
Genghis Khan's grandsons.
According to historical records, Genghis Khan came to Altay
with his troops on six occasions. Still in existence are the ruins
of a four-lane road for his troops and army tents.
Whether this is the real tomb of Genghis Khan needs further
investigation, Zhang Hui said.
(Xinhua)