Largest Zhou dynasty tombs unearthed in Shaanxi

The largest-scale Zhou-style tombs from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) were unearthed in Northwest China’s Shaanxi province.

The largest-scale Zhou-style tombs from the Spring and Autumn Period (770- 476BC) unearthed 
in Northwest China's Shaanxi province [Credit: ChinaNews]

Due to frequent robbery, archaeologists from Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology conducted overall exploration and excavation in Chengcheng county, Shaanxi province.

Gold artefacts unearthed in the largest-scale Zhou-style tombs from the Spring and Autumn Period (770- 476BC)
 in Northwest China’s Shaanxi province [Credit: ChinaNews]

A bronze bottle unearthed in the largest-scale Zhou-style tombs from the Spring 
and Autumn Period (770- 476BC) in Northwest China’s Shaanxi province 
[Credit: ChinaNews]

So far, a total of 56 tombs have been unearthed, including two chariot pits and one horse pit. Archaeologists have already finished the cleaning work of 19 small and medium tombs, bring more than 300 pieces of treasure back to the light of day.

A pottery xun, an ancient egg-shaped instrument, from the largest-scale Zhou-style tombs during Spring 
and Autumn Period (770- 476BC) is shown in the picture [Credit: ChinaNews]

A jade relic from the largest-scale Zhou-style tombs during Spring and Autumn Period (770- 476BC) 
is shown in the picture [Credit: ChinaNews]

Among these exquisite relics, bronze ones are most represented. The tombs and relics mainly demonstrate Zhou and Qin cultures. Experts assume these tombs should date from the early or early to middle Spring and Autumn Period and belong to royal ancestors of the Zhou Dynasty.

Aerial view of the Zhou-style tombs from the Spring and Autumn Period (770- 476BC) unearthed
 in Northwest China's Shaanxi province [Credit: ChinaNews]

Meanwhile, stolen relics which have been recovered total 402, including 12 first-class culture relics. In particular, a bronze bottle featuring dragon patterns is confirmed to be the largest among similar ones in Shaanxi province.

Source: China Daily [December 15, 2017]