A major archaeological discovery has been made in Anhui Province, eastern China, where 75 ancient tombs — some dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty — have been uncovered.
Between April and December 2024, archaeologists from the Anhui Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, in collaboration with the Qianshan City Cultural Relics Protection Center and Qianshan City Museum, excavated a total of 75 tombs and four kiln sites in Qili Village, Meicheng Town, Qianshan City, Anqing, located in eastern China’s Anhui Province.
“Hupu Tomb Group” Offers Glimpse Into Ancient China
The site, now referred to as the Hupu Tomb Group, includes burials primarily from the Warring States Period and the Han Dynasty, with a few from the Six Dynasties and Song Dynasty. Although many tombs suffered from looting and natural decay, archaeologists managed to recover over 300 artifacts, including bronze, iron, jade, lacquered wood, and pottery.
Possibly Belonging to Wealthy Elites
Most of the tombs are believed to have belonged to commoners, but some larger tombs and more elaborate burial goods suggest a connection to wealthy landowners or low-ranking nobility. Unique finds such as lacquered wooden pots, coffins with door-like lids, and round iron pottery items mark a significant contrast with previous excavations in the area.
First Southern Song Kilns Excavated in Anqing
In a breakthrough for researchers, four kilns dating to the Southern Song Dynasty were also discovered — the first official excavation of kilns from that era in Anqing. These findings offer important insight into the evolution of kiln technology, urban development, and the bureaucratic structure of the Southern Song period.
Clues to Funeral Customs and Social History
Among the 37 tombs from the Warring States period, seven had well-preserved coffins, some featuring head and side chambers built from squared timber. The burial objects included ritual vessels, jade pieces, lacquerware, and copper-made pots, jars, and basins.
This discovery adds to the growing number of ancient burials found in Qianshan over the years and provides valuable material for understanding ancient funeral practices, cultural traditions, and social structures in the Anhui region.
Cover Image Credit: Anhui Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Qianshan Cultural Relics Protection Center and the Qianshan Museum
