Wakayama Pref. Tumulus cluster

Iwauchi Kofun Group

LocationWakayama Pref.
ShapeTumulus cluster
Surviving No. 3 mound diameterabout 28m
PeriodLate 4th–late 7th c.
DesignationPrefectural Historic Site

Overview

A prefecturally designated group at Iwauchi, Gobo. Said to have once numbered more than ten mounds, of which No. 1 and No. 3 are confirmed today. The richly furnished terminal-period No. 1 is also noted for a theory identifying it as the tomb of the tragic Prince Arima, executed in 658.

Finds & research

No. 1 yielded a silver-wire-wrapped sword, lacquered wooden box, and Sue ware; No. 3 yielded small mirrors, weapons, and magatama.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
More than ten mounds are said to have existed; the two surviving prefecturally designated mounds are No. 1, a square mound up to 19.3m per side and about 3.2m high, and No. 3, a round mound about 28m in diameter. Wakayama Prefecture dates them to the early 7th century and late 4th–early 5th century respectively; Gobo City gives the mid-7th century or later and the first half of the mid-Kofun period. The official accounts differ.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not an IHA mausoleum. No. 1 was designated a Wakayama Prefectural Historic Site in 1979 and No. 3 was added in 1980.

Field notes

Follow protected boundaries and on-site signs.

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Sources

わかやまの文化財 岩内古墳群御坊市 岩内古墳群1号墳・3号墳御坊市 岩内1号墳

Related kofun

Dainichiyama No.35 Kofun (86m) Otani Kofun (70m) Shakano-koshi Kofun (86m) Maruyama Kofun (40m) Shimosato Kofun (45m) Hajikami Kofun
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