Nara Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Mise Maruyama Kofun

Also known as: Gojono Maruyama / IHA reference site
LocationNara Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length330 m
PeriodLate 6th c.
DesignationNational Historic Site

Overview

Nara Prefecture's largest keyhole mound, about 330m long. Kashihara City regards Maruyama, Gojono Maruyama, or Ogaru Maruyama as more appropriate names than Mise Maruyama.

Finds & research

The chamber's exact size is uncertain because of sediment, but its present dimensions are about 28.4m overall, with an 8.3m burial room and 20.1m passage. It contains two house-shaped sarcophagi.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
An approximately 330m keyhole mound spanning Gojono, Ogaru, and Mise in Kashihara, built in the late 6th century. Including the moat, it extends about 420m. Its presently measurable c.28.4m double-sleeved horizontal chamber holds two house-shaped sarcophagi; the entrance-side coffin is considered earlier than the rear one.
Imperial Household Agency view
Only the upper rear mound, not the entire kofun, is the Imperial Household Agency’s Unebi Mausoleum Reference Site, with Emperor Kinmei and Kitashihime as candidate occupants. The broader mound area outside that precinct is included in the National Historic Site Maruyama Kofun. The occupants are unconfirmed.

Field notes

The upper rear mound and chamber are closed as a Mausoleum Reference Site. View the site from its public areas and surrounding roads.

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Sources

橿原市 丸山古墳(畝傍陵墓参考地)橿原市 陵墓とは

Related kofun

Hashihaka Kofun (280m) Nishitonozuka Kofun (230m) Higashitonozuka Kofun (139m) Andonyama Kofun (242m) Shibutanimukaiyama Kofun (300m) Kurozuka Kofun (130m)
← Shinyama Kofun Muromiyayama Kofun →