The West Xia Imperial Tombs, are shaped like giant beehives and dot the valleys of the region. In the entire tomb area, there are 9 massive mausoleums, along with 250 lesser tombs. The mausoleums hold the remains of the imperial leaders of the Western Xia Dynasty.
Beginning in 1038, the Xia Dynasty was extremely powerful until 1227 when Genghis Khan and his Mongol armies swept in from the North, wiping out any trace of the former empire.
Due to their quick and violent demise, research is only just beginning on the Xia Dynasty. In 1972, the first pyramid mausoleums were discovered in the area and most are still not fully excavated. From completed digs, researchers have learned that the main mausoleum belonged to the first emperor of the Western Xia, who died in 1048.
Although the process has been slow, continued excavation is planned for the 20 square-mile area. Archaeologists may even dig up a pyramid that could rival its more famous cousins in Egypt.
ATLASOBSCURA
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