Zen’ichida Burial Mounds

Nine preserved burial mounds at Zen'ichida in Fukuoka date from the late sixth and seventh centuries, constructed during the later stages of the Kofun period when burial mound building spread from ruling elites to lesser local leaders. Researchers believe the oldest and largest mound belonged to a local chieftain. The round, domed tombs have stone-walled burial chambers, and though the acidic soil destroyed any remains, the grave goods survived, including iron tools, swords, and horse equipment. Korean pottery from the Silla kingdom and glass beads traced to what is now Iraq were also found, pointing to trade networks reaching far beyond Japan before Dazaifu's construction.