Longcheng, Mongolia

Longcheng, also called Lungcheng, Luut, or Dragon City, was an ancient city of the Xiongnu Empire in modern-day Mongolia. The site was discovered by Mongolian archaeologists in 2017, near Ulziit District in Arkhangai Province. It served as the empire's meeting place and de facto capital. This site was not permanent, rather, it was a seasonal or temporary place for high-ranking people in the empire to gather.

Discovery

Although Longcheng was discovered some time in 2017, the archaeological site was excavated around 18 July 2020 following financial burdens which delayed further inquiry. When it was inspected, a roof inscription in an archaic Chinese language was revealed, translating to 'Son of Heaven Chanyu', the first time this text was found on any physical object in Mongolia.