Mari-san Tumuli, Haman

Site details

The Haman Mari-san Tumuli is one of the largest burial sites from the Gaya period. The tumuli are lined along the central ridge and its subsidiary ridges, creating an awe-inspiring sight described as a "mountain on the mountain. " In 2011, two separate tumuli clusters (Dohang-ri Tumuli and Malsan-ri Tumuli) were combined under the name "Mari-san Tumuli. " The Mari-san burial mounds consist of large mounds on the main ridge running north-south and on the gently sloping western ridges, as well as medium and small mounds on the slopes. These tombs provide a glimpse into the splendor of the ruling class through gold and silver ornaments and reflect the international exchanges of the Ara Gaya during its peak in the 5th to early 6th centuries. The flame-patterned pottery found here, symbolic of Ara Gaya, showcases the advanced culture of Ara Gaya, known as the "Kingdom of Iron. " Notably, the 2018 excavation of Tomb No. 13 revealed a cover stone with engraved constellations, the first of its kind found in a Gaya tomb. This discovery offers valuable insights into the astronomical beliefs of the Gaya people.