The pyramid is located in what was formerly known as Gungnae, one of the capitals of Goguryeo, currently Ji'an, Jilin province, China. The pyramid was "rediscovered" in 1905.[2]
The base of the pyramid measures approximately 75 meters on each side, about half the size of the Egyptian pyramids and is eleven meters in height.[1][2] The pyramid is composed of 1,100 dressed stone blocks.[2] Large stones, each measure approximately 3 × 5 meters were placed around the base of the pyramid and can still be seen today.[1] The monumental size of the tomb is a testament to the power of the Goguryeo elite and the ability of this ancient kingdom to mobilize large numbers of people for building projects.[1]
The pyramid-style tomb was typical of Goguryeo culture and was transmitted to the kingdom of Baekje's burial practices.[2] The body of the dead elite was placed on a "stone base, surrounded by stones, and then surmounted by a rectangular platform or pyramid of dressed stones."[2] The design of the tombs incorporated entrances and passageways which facilitated grave robbery so, like most Goguryeo and Baekje tombs, the General's Tomb contains no archaeological artifacts.[1] Four dolmen tombs were also placed on each corner of the pyramid.[1]
