A large tomb complex dating back to the Three
Kingdoms period (AD 220-280) has been discovered in east China's Zhejiang
Province, Xinhua News Agency reported on October 13.
The find followed the initial unearthing of a 1.6
meter-wide, 2 meter-deep, and 5 meter-long tomb in Dongqiao
Township of Ningbo City.
Ding Youfu, associate professor at the Ningbo
Administration of Culture Relics Preservation, said inscriptions on
tomb relics clearly showed that it was built in AD 256.
"Figures embodying fish, beasts, dragons, phoenixes
and money can be seen in the wall of the grave," Ding said. "They
are incredibly refined and clear cut."
This is so far the best-preserved ancient tomb ever
discovered in the region despite a crack on the roof, according to
Ding.
Xie Guoqi, another member of the archeological
team, said future excavation will be conducted over 5,000 square
meters, within which archaeologists believe there are at least five
other tombs.
Other objects discovered at the site include
porcelain vessels, copper coins and bronze mirrors, said Xie.
The tomb complex was discovered by a forklift truck
operator working on the site of a refuse dump, but the date of the
find was not reported.
(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2005)