The tombs, which were first discovered between April and July 2024, date back more than 2,100 years, according to China’s Xinhua News Agency.
According to scholars, four tombs date back to the Han Dynasty, which dates back to 206 BC to 220 AD, eight tombs from the Jin and Southern Dynasties from 265-589 AD, and 15 burials from the Tang Dynasty from 618-907 AD.
More than 120 tombs were from the Ming and Qing dynasties that ruled China between 1368 AD and 1911 AD.
Scientists also discovered 48 tombstones from the later Republic of China era (1912-1949), which formed the early years of today’s China.
Most of the tombs, especially from the Ming and Qing periods, follow a consistent spacing pattern, indicating that the entire site was part of a well-planned and organized cemetery.
Organized burial sites used over many ages are important records of the human past.
Archaeologists excavating such sites around the world find that they preserve material culture much better than other types of archaeological sites.
For example, about 200 pieces of pottery, as well as porcelain, bronze, jade and beads, were discovered at the latest excavation site, which covers an area of about 1,300 square metres (14,000 square feet).
These artifacts can reveal key information about China’s past social, political, economic and ideological changes over the years.
Excavations at the zoo have been ongoing since its establishment in 1956, with scientists discovering nearly 500 ancient tombs in more than 30 locations in the area.
Key findings so far include a nearly intact 10-metre-long tomb from the Eastern Jin dynasty (317-420 AD), which scientists describe as the largest and best-preserved from that period to date.
A slightly smaller Southern Dynasty tomb also stands out as an important joint burial for a couple who have yet to be identified.
Scientists hope the discovery will improve understanding of construction technology during the Jin and Southern Dynasties.
They say further studies of two major tombs discovered in the latest excavations could help reveal the customs behind tomb shapes, stages and funeral rituals during the Six Dynasties period in Guangzhou.
Source: Independent
#ancient #tombs #discovered #Chinese #zoo
2024-09-04 18:11:07
