Asia

Asia's tombs are monumental chronicles of its civilizations, reflecting diverse architectural traditions and spiritual beliefs. In ancient East Asia, the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in China, guarded by the Terracotta Army, is an unparalleled subterranean complex. Japan's Kofun burial mounds, keyhole-shaped earthworks, and Korea's Royal Tombs of Silla, with their distinctive stone chambers, represent sophisticated burial cultures. Later Chinese dynasties constructed vast necropolises, such as the Ming Tombs and the Tomb of Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming Dynasty, showcasing traditional geomantic principles.

The Islamic world produced some of the most architecturally sublime tombs. In India, the Mughal era is defined by masterpieces like the Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, the garden-tomb precursor Humayun's Tomb, and the Tomb of Jahangir. Further south, the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur boasts one of the world's largest domes. In Central Asia, the necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand is renowned for its dazzling tilework, while the city also houses the Tomb of Timur, the formidable conqueror.

West Asia, particularly Iran, holds tombs of profound historical and cultural significance. The simple but powerful Tomb of Cyrus the Great at Pasargadae stands as a testament to the Achaemenid Empire. The cliff-face rock reliefs at Naqsh-e Rostam house the tombs of later Persian kings. In Shiraz, the Tomb of Hafez is a cherished shrine to the celebrated poet. Beyond Iran, the Tomb of Saladin in Damascus honors the revered Muslim leader.

Other regions feature tombs shrouded in mystery or representing lost kingdoms. The location of the Tomb of Genghis Khan remains one of history's great secrets. In China, the Western Xia Imperial Tombs bear witness to a Tangut civilization, while the Tomb of Emperor Jing of Han provides archaeological insight. Japan's Shosoin repository, though not a tomb, preserves treasures from a royal funeral, and in Northeast China, the Tomb of Nurhaci honors the founder of the Qing Dynasty.