Chinese archaeologists have found what could be the tomb of Cao Cao, a skillful general and ruler in the 3rd century who was later depicted in popular folklore as the archetypal cunning politician. Archaeological officials say Cao's 8,000-square-foot tomb complex, with a 130-foot passage leading to an underground chamber, was found in Xigaoxue, a village near the ancient capital of Anyang in central Henan province, according to the official China Daily newspaper.
Historians say Cao Cao's outstanding military and political talents enabled him to build the strongest and most prosperous state in northern China during the Three Kingdoms period in 208 to 280 A.D., when China had three separate rulers.
Characters based on Cao are depicted as shrewd and unscrupulous villains in traditional Chinese operas and in one of China's best-loved historical novels, "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." In the fictionalized account, Cao says, "Better for me to wrong the world than for the world to wrong me." Ancient FindsAFP / Getty Images47 photos This photo released by Chinese archaeologists Sunday shows a nearly 1,800-year-old tomb believed to be that of the legendary ruler Cao Cao, a general known in Chinese folklore as a ruthless politician. The tomb was discovered a year ago, but came to light after stone tablets were seized from tomb raiders. Click through the gallery to see other ancient finds.(Note: Please disable your pop-up blocker) xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpu...pid=639168&uts=1262022069 www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_g...media_gallery_wrapper.swf Ancient Finds This photo released by Chinese archaeologists Sunday shows a nearly 1,800-year-old tomb believed to be that of the legendary ruler Cao Cao, a general known in Chinese folklore as a ruthless politician. The tomb was discovered a year ago, but came to light after stone tablets were seized from tomb raiders. Click through the gallery to see other ancient finds. AFP / Getty Images AFP / Getty Images
The common saying in Chinese "speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives" is the equivalent of the English expression "speak of the devil." Cao was also a prolific poet.
From the tomb complex, the bones of three people and more than 250 relics have been unearthed in nearly one year of excavation work, Chinese archaeological officials were quoted as saying. The bones were identified as the remains of a man aged about 60 and two women, one in her 50s and the other between 20 and 25 years.
Experts say the male was Cao, who died at age 65 in 220 A.D., the elder woman ...
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