Ancient ornaments from Xanadu, capital of the Mongol Khans, excavated

XANADU: It’s a name up there with Atlantis when it comes to exotic, mystic cities. But we know where this one is — and now it’s being excavated.

XANADU: It’s a name up there with Atlantis when it comes to exotic, mystic cities. But we know where this one is — and now it’s being excavated.

The legendary city — founded by the grandsons of Genghis Khan — thrived between 1256 and 1368. It was the heart of the enormous empire he carved out in Asia and the Middle East.

Archaeologists have excavated part the 9000 square metre palace at the heart of the city which was the summer capital of the Mongol Empire.

TREASURE HUNT: The search for Genghis Khan’s hidden tomb

They’ve found the remains of vibrant, colourful decorations: Chief among them three painted clay dragon heads.

One of three similar dragon heads found in the excavations. Source: Chinese Cultural Relics

The baked red clay heads were once attached as decorations to the protruding ends of timber structural beams. Like the timberwork itself, the clay heads were brightly coloured in yellows, blues and whites.

Reporting in the journal Chinese Cultural Relics, the archaeologists — who conducted their excavations in 2009 — have now described what they have learned of the design and appearance of the mystic city.

Greens and golds coloured this clay carp ornamet. Source: Chinese Cultural Relics

Foundation of empire

Work on Xanadu began in 1256, under the auspices of Mongke Khan — a grandson of the late Genghis Khan.

The new Khan was well on his way towards subjugating China. He wanted a palace of his own to rival those he had seen in that ancient land.

Monke Khan died in 1259. His successor was Kublai Khan who adopted and enlarged Monke’s grand design.

But the great city of the mighty Khans was to have but a brief history: It was destroyed in 1368.

Its name quickly passed into legend, and then myth.

Little about it was known. Until now.

Eaves and guttering from the palace. Source: Chinese Cultural Relics

Palace of many colours

“The site is composed of a palatial district, an imperial city and an outer city, containing remains of three layers of city walls, and occupies an area of 484,000 square meters,” the Chinese Cultural Relics report reads.

Among the revelations uncovered so far are carefully paved and constructed horse paths and ramps. Horses and carts appear to have been allowed into the palace grounds.

While unusual, their presence should not be regarded as surprising.

The city “would have been strongly connected to the pastoral way of life of the Mongols,” the archaeologists write.

A wide variety of decorative features have been found, including clay fishheads, eve tiles and dripstones.

Many feature a bold yellow and green glaze.

@JamieSeidel