Excavated more than 200 3,000-year-old tombs in China

Chinese archaeologists have unearthed 224 ancient tombs believed to be over 3,000 years old in the central province of Ha Nam.

Archaeologists believe that these tombs, found at a monarch's tomb in Ky district, originated in the Western Chu Dynasty (1046-771 BC).

Most graves are small in size and arranged neatly, showing that this is a grave of civilians.(Illustration).

Archaeologists also unearthed five deep holes including the bones of the horse and the ruins of a house, excavating nearly 400 artifacts including ceramic wares, bronze weapons and chariots, jade and Painting.

Han Zhaohui, a researcher at the Henan Institute of Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute and also the head of the research group, said most graves are small in size and arranged neatly, giving see this is a grave of civilians.

There are also some larger tombs containing horses and chariots inside, most likely of the kings. According to the expert, the excavation area appears to be a military area because up to a quarter of the graves found shields and daggers.

Most ceramic and porcelain items found in tombs are pots and vases, jars. This is a burial item popular in culture at the end of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC) and the beginning of West Chu.