NEW DELHI: In a remarkable archaeological discovery, experts from the
Luoyang Archaeological Research Institute
have unearthed three
ancient tombs in China
, believed to belong to an exceptionally affluent family from over 1,700 years ago. The excavation, which took place near Shunzhuang Village, revealed the tombs laden with high-end everyday items, shedding light on the burial customs and the opulent lifestyle of the era.
The tombs, identified as M1, M2, and M3, are thought to date back to the mid-to-late
Western Jin dynasty
(265-317) and possibly the earlier Cao Wei period (220-265), a report in Miami Herald said. Each tomb, meticulously planned and organized, features a burial chamber facing north and a tomb passage facing south. The largest tomb, M1, stands out for its sheer size and elaborate structure, including an earthen tomb passage, a brick-sealed door, a corridor, a stone door, a square main chamber, an east chamber, and twelve pits along the passage. The number of steps leading into the burial, seven in the case of M1, signifies the high status of the deceased.
Inside M1, archaeologists discovered a treasure trove of over 200 artifacts, including rare items like ivory and lacquerware pieces. Notably, a pair of bone earrings adorned with phoenix and bird patterns were found, a rarity as jade and pottery were the common materials for such accessories during that time. These earrings, likely belonging to one of the women buried at the site, highlight the unique burial customs and the social status of the individuals.
While M2 and M3 were less elaborate than M1, they still showcased extravagance with their own sets of artifacts and structural similarities to M1. The collective findings from the three tombs, including pottery, bronze, iron, lacquerware, bone objects, jade, gold, and coins, provide invaluable insights into the burial practices and the societal hierarchy of the Western Jin dynasty.
The discovery also included jade artifacts predating the Western Jin dynasty, suggesting that these might have been cherished heirlooms of the tomb's owner. Additionally, the remnants of two worn-down tombstones were found at the site. Although they lacked personal information, the evidence suggests that they were once prominent markers above ground.
This significant archaeological find in the Mengjin District of eastern China not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region but also offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy during a pivotal era in
Chinese history
. The meticulous excavation and analysis by the Luoyang Archaeological Research Institute continue to contribute to our understanding of ancient civilizations and their practices.
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