Ancient tomb clusters unearthed in Eastern China

Archaeologists have excavated 73 ancient tombs dating back 1,400 years ago in east China's Jiangxi Province, the local institute of cultural relics and archaeology said this week. It is believed that the majority of the discovered tombs were built in the Six Dynasties (222-589).

Credit: Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

The 8,000-square-metre site, located in Ganjiang New District, the city of Nanchang, was discovered in June 2013. Excavation started in August 2018.

Credit: Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

Over 700 items of porcelain, pottery, metal, and stoneware, including furniture, figurines and weapons, were unearthed at the site.

Credit: Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

The porcelain was believed to be produced in central China's Hunan Province, eastern China's Zhejiang Province and Jiangxi Province, indicating the prosperous trade and shipping along the Yangtze River, China's longest river, and providing evidence for the study of the ancient maritime silk road.

Credit: Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

"Compared with other discoveries of the period, this cluster is rare in size, number and layout. Different regional features were also seen in the tombs," said Wei Zheng, professor of Peking University's School of Archaeology and Museology.

Credit: Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

"It is significant for the study of Nanchang's history and development, as well as the cultural exchange and ethnic integration in ancient China," Wei added.

Source: Xinhua News Agency [December 08, 2019]



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