A Chinese stone inscription in Mongolia and its historical significance.
– In 1990, two Mongolian herders discovered an inscription on a cliff in Mongolia. Mongolian experts initially couldn’t decipher it. In 2014, a Mongolian archaeologist informed a Chinese professor, who identified the script as ancient Chinese clerical script.
– In July 2017, a joint Chinese and Mongolian team thoroughly examined the inscription, which was 130 cm wide, 94 cm high, and 4 meters above the ground. They successfully deciphered over 220 of the 260 Chinese characters.
– The inscription was identified as the “封燕然山铭 Yanran Mountain Inscription” by 班固 Ban Gu, a historian from the Eastern Han Dynasty. This inscription’s exact location had been unknown for 2,000 years, though its text was preserved in historical records.
– The inscription details a military campaign led by 窦宪 Dou Xian, a powerful relative of the empress during the reign of Emperor He of Han. Dou Xian, initially arrogant and corrupt, sought to redeem himself by leading a campaign against the 北匈奴 Northern Xiongnu.
– In 89 AD, Dou Xian led a Han army and allied Southern Xiongnu forces to a decisive victory against the Northern Xiongnu at 燕然山 Jiluo Mountain, pursuing them to Lake Barkol. This victory, which resulted in over 10,000 enemy casualties and 200,000 surrenders, was considered the greatest Han victory against the Xiongnu.
– To commemorate this victory, Dou Xian ordered Ban Gu to write the “Yanran Mountain Inscription,” which was then carved into the cliff. This battle forced the Northern Xiongnu to migrate westward, indirectly influencing European history. Despite his military achievements, Dou Xian’s arrogance led to his downfall and suicide.
