This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/ancient-chinese-tomb-dating-back-2500-years-uncovered-to-shed-light-on-obscure-kingdom-a6762261.html
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Ancient Chinese tomb dating back 2,500 years uncovered to shed light on obscure kingdom | Ancient Chinese tomb dating back 2,500 years uncovered to shed light on obscure kingdom |
(2 days later) | |
Chinese archaeologists have uncovered a 2,500-year-old- tomb thought to contain the skeletons of an ancient royal family. | Chinese archaeologists have uncovered a 2,500-year-old- tomb thought to contain the skeletons of an ancient royal family. |
The tomb in Luoyang city, Henan province, is believed to originate from the relatively-unknown Luhun Kingdom, which only lasted 113 years between 638BC and 525BC, according People’s Daily Online. | The tomb in Luoyang city, Henan province, is believed to originate from the relatively-unknown Luhun Kingdom, which only lasted 113 years between 638BC and 525BC, according People’s Daily Online. |
Thought to be the tomb of a Luhun nobleman or royal - copper belts and ceremonial pots were discovered along with a nearby burial pit complete with chariots and whole horse skeletons. | Thought to be the tomb of a Luhun nobleman or royal - copper belts and ceremonial pots were discovered along with a nearby burial pit complete with chariots and whole horse skeletons. |
The excavation began in 2009 after a spate of grave robbing in the area, which hosts around 200 different ancient tombs, South China Morning Post reports. | The excavation began in 2009 after a spate of grave robbing in the area, which hosts around 200 different ancient tombs, South China Morning Post reports. |
Due to the tomb’s size, which is at 21 feet long, 17 feet wide and 28 feet deep, experts believe it to be the resting place of a royal family who wielded little political power. | Due to the tomb’s size, which is at 21 feet long, 17 feet wide and 28 feet deep, experts believe it to be the resting place of a royal family who wielded little political power. |
The tomb had suffered from damage caused by water and grave robbers, but the interior coffin was protected by plaster and a coffin board. | The tomb had suffered from damage caused by water and grave robbers, but the interior coffin was protected by plaster and a coffin board. |
The horse burial pit contained the skeletons of 13 horses and six chariots. The horses had been carefully arranged on their sides, with decorations placed on their carcasses. | The horse burial pit contained the skeletons of 13 horses and six chariots. The horses had been carefully arranged on their sides, with decorations placed on their carcasses. |
It is hoped the tomb will help historians gain a better understanding of the movements of the migratory Rong people, an ethnic minority which made up the population of the short-lived Luhan kingdom. | It is hoped the tomb will help historians gain a better understanding of the movements of the migratory Rong people, an ethnic minority which made up the population of the short-lived Luhan kingdom. |
Previous version
1
Next version