Archaeologists in China find 2,800-year old tomЬѕ surrounded by 28 chariots and 98 horses

In March 2021, archaeologists in China discovered a set of tombs in the city of Luoyang, located in the central province of Henan. The tombs are estimated to be around 2,800 years old and are believed to belong to nobles from the Western Zhou dynasty (1046-771 BCE), which was one of the earliest dynasties in Chinese history.

What makes this discovery particularly noteworthy is the fact that the tombs were found surrounded by 28 chariots and 98 horses, along with numerous other artifacts such as weapons, bronze vessels, and musical instruments. This is the largest number of chariots ever found in a single tomb in China.

The discovery has provided valuable insights into the material culture and social structure of the Western Zhou dynasty. Chariots were a symbol of power and status during this time, and the fact that so many were buried with these nobles indicates their high social standing. The horses were likely sacrificed and buried alongside their owners as a sign of their importance in the afterlife.

The discovery also sheds light on the extensive trade networks and cultural exchange that existed between different parts of China during this period. Some of the artifacts found in the tombs are believed to have originated from as far away as modern-day Tibet and the Xinjiang region in western China.

Overall, this discovery is a significant contribution to our understanding of early Chinese history and the material culture of the Western Zhou dynasty.

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