Ancient Chinese chariots unearthed

Some exciting finds in Zhou Dynasty tombs in Hubei province:

The China Daily reports the legend of a great general who died at the battlefield has been passed down through generations along the Gunhe River in Hubei province.

It was said nine tombs were built and his body placed in one of them.

The survey showed a ridge beside the river and nine tombs were subsequently found. . .

In one of the tombs. . . a 52-metre by 12-metre cart pit was found, containing 33 bronze battle carts and 72 horses.

"The cart pit has been the largest and best preserved one ever excavated in China," Wang Hongxing, director of Hubei Provincial Archaeological Research Institute, said.

"In the pit was a battle chariot pulled by six horses.

"Only the emperor of the eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC) could use that kind of cart."

According to the paper, another pit close by revealed seven more well-preserved chariots.

While a body was found in a coffin with a sword in a sheath by its side, there were no inscriptions to indicate it was a king.

Posted by David on January 12, 2003 9:38 PM