Chinese archeologists have discovered a group of tombs dating back some 2,000 years ago at a housing construction site in Yuxian County of Shanxi Province.

Archeologists have confirmed five tombs of the Warring States (475 BC-221 BC) and two others of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). More than 20 pieces of funeral articles, including pottery memorial tablets, iron ovens, iron mirrors and pottery bowls, were unearthed.

The discovery is of great value for the study of the handicraft industry and the traditions and customs in the Warring States and Han Dynasty, said archeologists from the provincial administration of cultural heritage on Monday.

It is not the first time that ancient tombs have been uncovered in this county, where archeologists discovered 52 ancient tombs and 11 wells and unearthed more than 100 pieces of pottery and bronze ware in 2003.
 
(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2005)