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445 ancient tombs, dating back 2000-year-old, discovered in China

In a remarkable archaeological revelation, local authorities in north China's Shanxi Province have unveiled a staggering total of 445 tombs, dating back to more than 2,000 years. This significant discovery offers a rare and invaluable glimpse into the funeral and cultural practices of the ancient era, as per the reports.
If reports are to go by, these ancient burial sites, originating from the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), were stumbled upon approximately 500 m north of Xue Zhuang Village in Linfen City. The excavation work, spearheaded by the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology, has been ongoing for more than a year.

According to Duan Shuanglong, a seasoned researcher at the institute, the unearthed tombs vary in size, ranging from small to medium. More than 700 artefacts have been meticulously unearthed, including bronze ware, iron utensils, pottery, jade, and bone articles. Duan stresses the importance of these findings, asserting that they offer invaluable insights into the cultural evolution from the Warring States Period to the subsequent Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC).

The uncovered tombs and their accompanying artefacts provide a rare opportunity to delve into the funerary customs and beliefs of ancient Chinese societies that thrived in the region over two millennia ago. Archaeologists are poised to meticulously study the layout, construction, and contents of these tombs, aiming to decipher the intricate rituals and social hierarchies that governed burial practices during that epoch.

Moreover, the diverse assortment of artefacts recovered from the tombs holds the promise of shedding light on various facets of daily life, such as craftsmanship, trade, and technological advancements of the time. Through detailed analyses of these relics, researchers anticipate unearthing invaluable insights into the cultural, economic, and social dynamics that shaped the region during the Warring States Period.
The Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology has undertaken extensive measures to ensure the proper preservation and documentation of the excavated tombs and artefacts. Utilising rigorous scientific techniques and meticulous record-keeping, efforts are underway to safeguard this priceless archaeological treasure for the benefit of future generations.

The discovery of these 445 ancient tombs in Shanxi Province marks a significant milestone in the field of archaeology, offering a rare window into the past and enriching our understanding of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region.

Source: Times Of India