Archeologists in Guangzhou have begun exploring a unique ancient tomb group found in the mountains of Guangzhou in southern China believed to date back as much as 2,500 years.

An archaeologist from Guangzhou identifies the ancient tomb. [Information Times]

Archeologists in Guangzhou have begun exploring a unique group of ancient tombs found in the mountains of Guangzhou in southern China believed to date back as much as 2,500 years.

According to Information Times, the tombs date back either to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – AD 220) or the Jin Dynasty (AD 265 – 420). They were discovered at the foot of the mountain in Huangpu District when people were repairing a 500-year-old tomb further up on the mountain.

The group to tombs is situated amid a vast area of banana trees, with the surface covered with yellow mud. There are a number of holes lined with blue bricks, each hole being some 1 square meter in size.

In the center of the back side of the mountain, there is a semi-circular hole which leads to the heart of the mountain. Sparse weeds have grown on the yellow mud surface.

According to initial exploration, experts identified it as a typical brick-chambered tomb group of the Han or Jin period. With three ancient tombs uncovered, it is the most ancient so far discovered in the Huangpu District. All the tombs have suffered different degrees of damage, with one being completely ruined; another having its lid opened and inner space filled with soil; and the third being half ruined.

What kind of people were buried in the tombs? Were there rare cultural relics at some point? Experts say further excavation is needed.

(China.org.cn by Jessica Zhang, July 10, 2009)