This tomb complex is located in the ruins of an ancient city from the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC) in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province in central China today.
Chinese archaeologists working at a site. (Photo: THX/TTXVN)
Chinese archaeologists have discovered the oldest noble tomb complex in China.
This discovery is the result of a series of excavations conducted from 2021 to 2023 and was announced at the recent annual meeting on archaeological achievements in Henan Province.
The tomb complex dates back approximately 3,400 years, with remnants covering an area of about 20,000 square meters.
The complex includes a system of tunnels leading to burial sites, graves, sacrificial remains, and other artifacts.
Archaeologists unearthed a ceremonial gold mask shaped like a shell, turquoise pottery, bronze items, and jade from the tomb complex.
Researcher Huang Fucheng from the Zhengzhou Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Institute stated that this ancient cemetery is the oldest noble burial area excavated to date, holding significant importance for understanding and discovering burial rituals in China.
