An ancient tomb dating back to over 3,000 years ago was recently excavated at the famous Yin Ruins in central China, and archaeologists say the tomb belonged to a high ranking military officer of the Shang Dynasty (BC1600 to BC1046).

The tomb had not been stolen before archaeological excavation, and therefore, has great archaeological value, experts say.

Coffins painted in red and carved with dragon patterns were discovered in the 5.04 meter-long and 3.3 meter-wide tomb.

Relics of 15 immolated humans and 15 dogs were found in the tomb together with over 570 bronzes, jades and other funeral objects.

A large number of weapons were unearthed including seven pieces of yue, a kind of axe, which symbolizes the leading military status.

New findings also include a hand-shaped bronze instrument and a shield, which had never been seen in the Yin Ruins, according to archaeologists.

From the inscriptions on the excavated bronzes, archaeologists concluded that the occupant of the tomb was a high-ranking officer attending the emperor of the Shang Dynasty.

Covering an area of 24 square kilometers, the Yin Ruins in Anyang County, Henan Province, were the site of the Shang Dynasty Capital for 273 years. Archaeological excavations from 1928 revealed remains of palaces, tombs, workshops, many tools, ritual vessels, and musical instruments. In 1973, shells and bones numbering 7,000 pieces were found, of which 4,800 bore inscriptions, believed to be earliest Chinese characters.

To the north of the newly found tomb is the central palace area of Yin Ruins, to the northwest of the tomb lies the tomb of Fu Hao, one of the consorts of the Shang King Wu Ding, which was excavated in 1976.

(People's Daily 03/18/2001)