11 Graves Was Discovered in Three Gorges Reservoir Area

In the past few days, Chongqing Historical Relics Archeology Institute carried out rescue archaeological excavation for the Huanjingbang tombs in Three Gorges Reservoir area; totally, they cleaned up 11 graves and 1 kiln site which are between Warring States Period and Six Dynasties.

It is introduced by Chongqing Historical Relics Archeology Institute, the discovery area over 1200 square meters this time, and they cleaned up 11 graves and 1 kiln site which are between Warring States Period and Six Dynasties, including the 2 brick graves and 9 cenote graves. Each of the two brick graves is in rectangle shape and "A" shape, the later is larger. It is made up of three parts: slope tomb passage, rectangle corridor and rectangle coffin chamber. Although this tomb has been damaged, there also discovered some funeral objects; like celadon jars, celadon bowls, copper coins and so on. All the cenote graves are in rectangle shape, and the walls in the grave are very smooth and bright. The funeral objects in the graves include pots, swords, spears and other bronze wares, as well as dings, dun, pots, jars, plates and other black-gray pottery. Parts of the pottery are with the mark of colored drawings on the surface.

It is introduced by the archeologists that they can decide these graves were in Warring States Period to Six Dynasties based on the grave shape and the objects unearthed. It is valuable for the researching of funeral custom and historical culture in that period. And the unearthed objects are precious primary source.

Furthermore, the kiln site was greatly damaged, but there are some geometrical patterns on the bottom and the damaged grave bricks with the world "fugui" on it. Archeologists conjecture it is the thing in Six Dynasties Period, and maybe it was built to make grave bricks for the two brick graves.