Tomb on edge of cliff sat untouched for 1,000 years — then construction workers dug in
As construction workers dug into the dirt in central China, their shovels touched ground that had been undisturbed for more than a thousand years.
The dirt and rubble were covering a part of ancient history — a cliff tomb.
Researchers with the Chongqing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology estimate the tomb was from the Eastern Han Dynasty, according to a May 16 news release via China News Network.
Work began on the site in mid-April when construction unearthed the tomb, and initial measures were taken to protect the structure until a research team could reach the site, according to the release.
Researchers found that the tomb had not been burgled, rare for a tomb that age, making it incredibly significant for understanding the history of the time.
The structure, built into a hill, included a passage to a sealed tomb door, leading to an internal chamber, according to the release. Inside, artifacts sat in the place they were left by ancient people.
The researchers have found 56 items inside the tomb, including iron swords, cauldrons, pots, buckets, pottery, bells, bowls, Terracotta figures and animal figurines.
The inside of the tomb was undamaged, according to the release, and Han Dynasty brickwork provided more contextual evidence for the researchers.
The researchers said the discovery will help them understand funeral customs and the geography and construction of cliff tombs, according to the release.
Chongqing sits in Central China, about 690 miles northwest of Hong Kong.
Baidu Translate was used to translate the news release from the Chongqing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology via China News Network.
This story was originally published May 17, 2023 at 1:16 PM with the headline "Tomb on edge of cliff sat untouched for 1,000 years — then construction workers dug in."
