Stele at the Han Changling Tomb

What it is

This photograph, taken in 2014, shows a grey stone stele standing on a grassy mound at Changling, the site traditionally identified as the tomb of Liu Bang, who became known as Emperor Gaozu. The stele is a later marker, not an object from his own time.

Why it matters

Changling is one of the main physical places connected to Gaozu's memory. Markers like this stele show how later generations have continued to identify and commemorate the burial site of the dynasty's founder across centuries.

Look closer

• What does the condition of the stone tell you about how long it has stood here?
• Why might later generations want to mark a tomb with carved characters?
• What does this photograph not tell you about the tomb's original appearance or contents?