Archaeologists recently announced the discovery of an artificial earthwork at Hashihaka Tumulus in Nara Prefecture, Japan, which is associated with the legendary queen Himiko of Yamatai. This earthwork, referred to as 'watari dotei,' is believed to connect the mound with surrounding moats and plays a crucial role in understanding the structural development of early burial mounds known as keyhole-shaped tombs. The findings, part of an excavation covering approximately 58 square meters, revealed a significant earth structure, providing new insights into the tomb's design and purpose.

The Hashihaka Tumulus, which dates back to the mid-to-late 3rd century and spans about 280 meters in length, is located within the Makimuku archaeological site, a key candidate for the historical location of Yamatai. Notably, access to the site is restricted by the Imperial Household Agency, which regulates the royal burial grounds, with certain portions designated as national historic sites. The recent excavations were conducted around the 'narrow waist' section of the tumulus, leading to the discovery of a cross-sectional earthwork measuring around 6.4 meters long and between 1.6 and 3 meters wide.

Experts believe that besides serving a bridge-like function to connect different sections of the burial mound, the primary purpose of the watari dotei may have been to regulate water flow throughout the tomb’s inner moats. Kaoru Terasawa, director of the city’s Makimuku Archaeological Research Center, emphasized that the tomb’s design likely reflects an ancient ideology that associated grandeur with water, suggesting that the structure was intentionally fashioning a sacred and majestic environment. An information session about the findings will be held on the 21st, as archaeologists continue to investigate this historically significant site.