Cue the Indiana Jones theme, because some real old stuff was recently unearthed in Guangzhou.
A treasure trove of archeological artifacts, spread over 25 tombs spanning from the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC) to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), were discovered earlier this year in Guangzhou, according to China.org.cn.
The site is located in Zengcheng Economic and Technological Development District's Xintang county and contains 19 stone tombs from the Jin (265-420) and Southern Dynasties (420-589), a pit tomb from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a tomb from the Ming Dynasty, three graves from the Shang Dynasty and a pit tomb from the later part of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD).
Relics found at the site, which covers 66,000 square meters, include jade rings, a copper bowl, a chicken-spout pot, dishes and small cups from the Jin and Southern Dynasties. In addition, sacrificial stone tomahawks from the Shang Dynasty were located, which may indicate that the individuals buried there were of military significance, according to the report.
A compact archeological find of this size indicates that a sizable population of people have been living along Zengjiang River since the Six Dynasties period.
The site is 36 kilometers away from urbanized Guangzhou and excavations began there back in September. Once all the artifacts have been removed from the site, the tombs will be reburied.
If you find Guangzhou’s ancient history as fascinating as we do, we strongly encourage you to visit Guangzhou Museum in Yuexiu Park to learn more. The facility has a number of ancient treasures from Guangzhou’s distant past – including artifacts excavated in Panyu District.
[Image via China.org.cn]
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