Remains of Ancient Carriages Unearthed in Central China

Home>>Sci-Edu

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, March 18, 2003

Remains of Ancient Carriages Unearthed in Central China

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The remains of six carriages have been unearthed in the ancient tombs dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.) and the Warring States (475-221 B.C.) in Linzhou city, central China's Henan Province.

The remains were found in the middle layer of a large pit, nine meters long by four meters wide, in the large tomb numbered 301 among the 400 in the group, said Zhang Zengwu, deputy researcher with the Linzhou Cultural Relics Administrative Station.

The frames of the carriages had been placed in the east-west direction, and the wooden structures were partially rotten, said Zhang, adding the spokes were visible to the naked eye.

The axles were about 2.7 meters long, and the wheels about 1.4 meters in diameter.

Seven small bronze pieces were also found on the northeast side of the carriages remains, Zhang said.

To the east of the carriage site, a large pit containing the remains of 16 buried horses was also excavated.

Zhang noted that 24 bronze pieces were unearthed in December last year in the excavation of No. 301 tomb. The finds in the tomb include eight bronze ding (ancient cooking vessel with two lop handles and three legs), two bronze mirrors and 21 bronze bells.

Experts estimate that the tomb dates back to the Warring States period (475-221 B.C.) and its occupant was a senior official of the Zhao State.

Emergency excavation had been underway since June last year on over 400 ancient tombs in Linzhou, and more than 2,000 cultural relics, including items of bronze, pottery, jade, stone and bone, had been unearthed, Zhang said.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Unearthed Ancient Tombs Confirm Historical Records

Ancient Carriages Unearthed in Central China

The US Must Not Put Pressure On the UN ( 3 Messages)

Saddam Vows to Globalize War if Attacked ( 5 Messages)

China's Z11 Helicopters Get Green Light for Civilian Use ( 5 Messages)

New Premier Comes from Grass Roots ( 2 Messages)

China Hopes War can be Avoided: FM ( 3 Messages)