In Chinese history, Wang Mang is a controversial figure. He was the founder of the Xin Dynasty and a reformer. However, his skull was preserved by successive emperors for hundreds of years after his death. Why is that? This article will explore this historical mystery.

Wang Mang was born in 45 BC, a relative and minister of the late Western Han Dynasty. He launched a coup in 9 AD, deposed Emperor Cheng of Han, proclaimed himself emperor, and established the Xin Dynasty. However, due to political reform failures and public dissatisfaction, the Xin Dynasty was overthrown by a peasant rebellion in 23 AD, and Wang Mang was killed in the chaos. According to the "History of the Later Han Dynasty", Wang Mang's skull was cut off and presented to Emperor Liu Xuan of the Gengshi Dynasty.

Surprisingly, Wang Mang's skull did not disappear with the fall of the Xin Dynasty. Instead, it was preserved by successive emperors for hundreds of years. So why did successive emperors want to preserve Wang Mang's skull?

First, we can understand it from a symbolic perspective. In ancient China, the skull was regarded as the most important part of the human body, symbolizing authority and dignity. Therefore, preserving the enemy's skull was considered a symbol of conquest and humiliation. For successive emperors, preserving Wang Mang's skull was undoubtedly a warning and humiliation to this former emperor.

Secondly, from a political perspective, preserving Wang Mang's skull is also a political tactic. By displaying Wang Mang's skull, the emperor can demonstrate his own legitimacy and authority to the world. At the same time, it can also serve as a warning to potential rebels: anyone who tries to challenge the emperor's authority will end up like Wang Mang.

However, over time, Wang Mang's skull gradually lost its symbolic meaning and political value. Finally, during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Wang Mang's skull was returned to his descendants and buried in his family tomb.

In summary, the reason why successive emperors preserved Wang Mang's skull was mainly due to symbolic meaning and political considerations. However, as time went on, this practice gradually lost its meaning and ultimately became dust in history. This history not only reflects the political culture of ancient China but also provides us with an opportunity to deeply understand history.

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