Archaeologists have found a well preserved ancient female corpse, which was believed to be some 1,000 years old, in Gaochun county of Nanjing, capital of east Jiangsu Province.

The discovery was made in a grave of the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Archaeologists from the Nanjing Museum said they were surprised to find that the bone joints of the body can still be bent, while its flesh is still flexible.

The hair, teeth and skin of the body are all in good shape, archaeologists said, but with wide-open eyes and mouth, the body looks horror-struck.

The corpse will be sent to the Shanghai Science Museum for further treatment and research, only when, archaeologists said, the value of the discovery can be decided.

Archaeologists also unearthed from the grave some ornaments and clothes, which are all well preserved.
 
(Xinhua News Agency November 6, 2003)