Chinese archaeologists have found over 1,470 ancient tombs dating back over 2,000 years near this capital of central China's Henan Province.

More than 100 pieces of bronzeware and over 3,000 pieces of earthenware have been found in the tombs which were uncovered during work to build the Zhengzhou High-Technology Development Zone in the last two years.

Over 70 of the tombs belonged to aristocrats of the Western Zhou Dynasty (BC 1046- BC 771), about 700 tombs date from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (BC 770 - BC 256) and over 700 tombs date from the Warring States Period (BC 475 - BC 221).

According to the archeologists, the presence of so many tombs from these dynasties in the Zhengzhou area is remarkable, as Zhengzhou is famous for its Shang Dynasty (BC 16th century - BC 11th century) culture.

The bronzewares include three-legged tripods and four-legged cauldrons, deep circular vessels with two or four handles, used as containers for grain, and cups used for drinking or warming wine.

In the Waliu Ruins in the development zone alone, over 700 tombs dating from the Warring States Period have been discovered. Most of them are small, with the largest being 3.5 meters long and 2.3 meters wide.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2001)