Archaeologists exploring a small village in China recently announced the discovery of three tombs filled with ancient treasures, including gold ornaments, jade swords and ivory lacquerware.
Experts say these tombs are actually “high-class family cemeteries” of the Wei and Jin dynasties, which dated from 220 to 589 AD. These tombs are the first to be discovered in the Shunzhuang village in eastern China’s Mengjin district, according to a news release about the discovery.
The tombs were large, and one of them was found to be the second largest tomb of this period found in the area, after the imperial tomb in the nearby city of Luoyang. That tomb has multiple rooms and passages, but his other two tombs are smaller. The structure of the tomb is still being studied by archaeologists.
Luoyang Archaeological Institute
The three tombs had been stolen “many times” but still contained treasures including gold ornaments, pottery and coins, according to a news release. According to a news release, more than 200 artifacts were discovered in total, including never-before-seen ivory lacquerware. These items were considered to be high-quality crafts or practical items, and were “symbols of status” indicating the wealth and power of the families enshrined in the tombs.
Archaeologists also discovered “relatively rare” bone earrings with phoenix and bird designs, as well as jade items such as swords and belt hooks. These jade items are considered heirlooms.
Luoyang Archaeological Institute
Archaeologists were able to use the dates of these and other artifacts found in the tomb to determine when in the dynasty the tomb was built. The largest tomb may have been built first.
Research in this area will continue, according to a news release. No information has been found about who owned the grave or who buried it, so archaeologists say they hope to determine who may have owned the cemetery and uncover “further historical mysteries.” Stated.
Luoyang Archaeological Institute