Archaeologists have discovered five tombs dating back more than 1,700 years in east China's Anhui Province.

 

Located in Huaibei City, the tombs were found during construction of a local project.

 

Archaeologists unearthed a bronze sword, some pieces of chinaware and painted earthenware from the five tombs, believed to be built in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220).

 

Among the five tombs, four are made of bricks and one of stone. The stone grave, about 9.0 meters long and 9.2 meters wide, is the largest. Covering an area of 80 square meters, it includes a main room, a front room and two side rooms.

 

Judging from their size, building materials and funeral objects, experts conjectured the tombs belonged to a noble family.

 

The significant findings provide evidence for studying social life and funerals during the Eastern Han Dynasty, an expert said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2006)