Haihunhou: Remains of a short reign

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Two archaeologists clean a bronze vessel unearthed from the excavation site of royal tombs of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) in Nanchang, Jiangxi province. [Photo by Guo Jing/China Daily]

An ancient state in Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi province, has recently begun to reveal its full face.

After a five-year archaeological project involving China's top research institutions, experts are also learning more about Marquis Haihun, a dethroned monarch of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24).

Mention of the emperor is found in Book of Han compiled in the first century AD, and more details have started to emerge as archaeologists investigate the main coffin found in a tomb.

Marquis Haihun was the title given to Liu He (92 BC-59 BC) after he was dethroned.

Liu's reign lasted for only 27 days, the shortest among Western Han monarchs, and he lost his throne because of his debauchery and licentious lifestyle.

Nevertheless, he was allowed to reside near Boyang Lake and the title of marquis remained with the family for three generations.

Though archaeologists are still not sure if the tomb they discovered belongs to Liu, and will release final conclusions at a news conference on Christmas Day, one discovery makes it likely that the tomb is his.

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