This study concerns the lithologic characteristics of the stone used as the main construction materials of ancient Korean tombs, and aims to understand how they were supplied. Specifically, we investigated the main ancient tombs in the Songpa district, south of the Hangang River in Seoul, composing the connected stone-mound tombs in the Seokchon-dong tomb complex, Bangi-dong tomb No. 3, and 13 horizontal stone-chamber tombs in the Gamil-dong tomb complex. There are major differences among the tombs reflected in the types of rock used as construction materials in these sites. Tombs at Seokchon-dong and Bangi-dong were built mainly using biotite gneiss, whereas those at Gamil-dong are composed of amphibole schist. By comparing the characteristics of the rocks collected from the provenance sites, we concluded that the quartzite used at the Gamil-dong tombs was from Cheonma Mountain, the gneiss at the Bangi-dong sites was from Daemo Mountain, and the amphibole schist and diabase at the Gamil-dong sites were from Cheonma Mountain. On the other hand, gravel-shaped stone materials are found in the tombs of Seokchon-dong and Bangi-dong, but not in Gamil-dong tombs. Therefore, it can be seen that between Seokchon-dong, Bangi-dong, and Gamil-dong tombs, there is a difference not only in the main constituent rock types, but also in the shape of the stone materials. These gravel-shaped stones are assumed to have been transported via the Hangang River drainage system and supplied to Seokchon-dong and Bangi-dong tombs. Therefore, we consider that the constructors of the tombs in the ancient Songpa district locally sourced materials of different rock types.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.