Royal-class Tombs

The large tomb to the left of the Tomb No. 37 is the Tomb No. 44. This one was built in the late 5th Century. Compared to the royal-class tombs of other regions that were built around the same time, this one possesses a vastly superior size and style.

The Daegaya Royal Tomb Pavilion at the entrance was modeled on the Tomb No. 44. Surprisingly, around 40 skeletons were found inside the tomb. When a king or nobleman died back then, servants were killed and buried together.

This custom is not just Gaya’s, but is a worldwide tradition also found in ancient Egypt and with the Mayas of Central America. More than 300 concubines and slaves were buried in the Tomb of King Djer of Egypt. This tomb was the first to confirm this same custom as having been carried out in Korea.

Since many bodies were buried together in the Tomb No. 44, we speculate that this tomb belongs to the king of Dae Gaya.

Let’s take a look at the Tomb No. 45.

When you look up, there’s an incline that rapidly increases upwards. In front of this area is the Tomb No. 45. Although it’s smaller than the Tomb No. 44, it has a similar style. Over 11 bodies were buried together in this tomb.

More than a ton of stones were used to cover the burial chamber inside this tomb. Tremendous manpower and time were probably required to construct it. These two tombs suggest how much power the ruling class enjoyed in Dae Gaya. Let’s go up a little more to the top area to see 5 incredibly large ancient tombs.