Over 1,000-year-old royal tomb found in NW China

A well-preserved tomb dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) has been found in northwest China's Gansu Province, local authorities said.

The Tuyuhun royal tomb has been found in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Gansu Province,
according to the Gansu Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology
[Credit: China News Service]

According to the Gansu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, the tomb was discovered on a mountain in Chashan Village, Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County. It is a tomb of a royal lineage from the early and middle Tang Dynasty, according to the institute.

Located on the ancient Silk Road trade route, Tuyuhun was a powerful kingdom established
by historical nomadic peoples [Credit: China News Service]

Wooden figures in the east niche of the tomb
[Credit: China News Service]

The brick-chambered tomb has a 17.5-meter-long passage, where archaeologists have found wood objects, ink painted bricks and remains of sacrificial animals.

Silk fabric covering the coffin [Credit: China News Service]

The discovery of this, the most well-preserved tomb found so far, will aid studies of burial customs of Tuyuhun,
the Silk Road and the relationship with the Tang Dynasty (618-907), archaeologists said
[Credit: China News Service]

Over 70 sets of painted pottery and wooden figures were discovered in the niches. Archaeologists also found more than 220 articles including painted pottery, lacquer wood, stone, bronze, gold and silver objects.

Grave epitaph found in the tomb [Credit: China News Service]

The tomb provides rich research materials on the ancient Silk Road, and is important for studying the history of ethnic groups, transportation and culture along the ancient Silk Road in the Tang Dynasty, said Chen Guoke, deputy dean of the institute.

Source: Xinhua News Agency [November 24, 2019]



* This article was originally published here