Centuries-old tombs discovered in south China metropolis

Of the tombs, 20 were from the Jin Dynasty (265-420) and the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589), 14 were from the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) Dynasties, and 37 were from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties.

Some of the tombs from the Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties were large ones with long drainage ditches. But many had been robbed before.

Archaeologists believe that the discovery proved the site was a significant burial area in Guangzhou during ancient times, which provides crucial evidence for the studies of local burial customs and historical and geographical changes of the city. ■

This photo taken on Dec. 14, 2023 shows the excavation site of some ancient tombs in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. (Guangzhou Municipal Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 14, 2023 shows the excavation site of some ancient tombs in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. (Guangzhou Municipal Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology/Handout via Xinhua)