Three Ancient Tombs in China Uncovered by Archaeologists; Rare Bronze Seals, Other Funerary Relics Discovered Inside

burial
Pixabay / AngieJohnston

Archaeologists were able to uncover three ancient tombs within China, containing dozens of remarkable funeral relics.

Ancient Tombs in China Founds

The tombs were found by researchers in Dazhuangzi Cemetery within Rizhao, which is a city in the east coast of China. The tombs are believed to be from the Han Dynasty, which governed China from 206 B.C. to A.D. 2020, which is considered the golden age in the country's history.

The three tombs were designed for holding two people respectively. They have sloping passageway features toward the entrances and also hold wooden coffins. Two tombs have been looted severely, similar to ancient times, while the other was well-preserved.

Tombs and Their Funerary Relics

The first tomb, dubbed M1, appeared robbed. There were only a couple of funerary relics discovered inside. All the bones of humans that were kept inside it have apparently decayed.

As for the second tomb, M2, it also appeared looted. M2 is situated at M1's southeast. Similar to M1, there were no human remains that were preserved within it. The M2's funerary relics include iron swords, glazed pottery pots, and hairpins of bamboo, among other objects. A bronze seal was also found in the tomb, bearing the name Huan Jia.

M3, which is the third tomb, is situated at M1's east. Unlike the other two, this one was quite well-preserved. Its main chamber has a two-room division that is linked by miniature windows and wooden doors.

The researchers believe that this specific tomb was meant for a husband and wife, though it does not show that the two were buried simultaneously.

The human bones kept in M3 also apparently decayed, though there were a number of funerary objects found inside it. These include an iron sword, some bronze mirrors, and a glazed pottery collection, including flasks, gourds, and pots. On top of this, M3 was also found to have a bronze seal with the "Huan" family name inscribed on it.

The discovery of the bronze seals that feature the "Huan" surname, which show that the people who were buried came from the same family, is quite a rare finding.

Overall, the excavations in this area yielded over 70 artifacts in total. It is likely that these artifacts constituted the treasure of the family.

Moreover, around one of the coffins, archaeologists were able to find a coffin carriage's remains. This structure was used for the transportation of a coffin into the tomb. The finding was crafted quite exquisitely and was a finding that is quite uncommon.

According to the archaeologists, the unearthing of the tombs is a crucial finding in the region. It has offered remarkable materials that could shed light on the burial customs of the Han Dynasty.

The Rizhao excavations began last December and went on until January. Overall, the excavations in this area yielded over 70 artifacts in total. It is likely that these artifacts constituted the treasure of the family.

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