Northeast Asian History Network

Western Wall of the Antechamber (Southern Section) - Royal Guard's Inscription

This is a detailed view of the inscription above the Royal Guard on the southern section of the western antechamber wall. A 67-character inscription, spanning seven columns, can be seen directly above the gatekeeper's head. It states "Dong-su from Du-xiang, Jingshang-li; He died at the age of 69 as a government official; 13th year of Yonghe (Chinese Eastern Jin Dynasty calendar), on the 26th day of the 10th month, Muja (25th day of the sexagenary cycle); Military Captain and Commissioner Bearing Credentials in the 50th year of the sexagenary cycle (Year of the Ox); General who brings Peace to the East, Captain of the Barbarians, Minister of Lelang Commandery; General of the Changli, Xuantu, and Daifang Commanderies; Lord of Du-xiang, Yu State, Liaodong District, Ping-guo County" Dong-su was originally a general under King Murong Huang of the Xianbei state Former Yan. At some point, he came under the command of the King's rebellious younger brother Murong Ren and suffered defeat by the Xianbei King. He was then exiled to Koguryo in 336 CE (King Gogugwon period). Unfortunately, historical documents for Dong-su do not exist after his exile to Koguryo. Thus, his history in Koguryo is unclear.