Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery at the outskirts of the Yin Xu archaeological site in Anyang, Henan Province. For the first time, large tombs shaped like the Chinese character “中” (Zhong) have been unearthed, offering new insights into the burial customs of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC).
At a press conference held on Thursday, Cui Zongliang, deputy director of the Anyang Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, announced that these unique tombs were uncovered at the Dapo site in the southwest of Yin Xu during infrastructure construction in 2022.
“Despite severe looting, the tombs provide valuable data for studying the burial system, layout, structure, and chronological changes of the Yin Xu site,” said Cui. “This discovery enhances our understanding of the social practices and cultural developments during the Shang Dynasty.”
The tombs’ distinctive “中” shape is considered significant, potentially reflecting symbolic meanings prevalent during that era. Scholars believe that this architectural style could shed light on ancient Chinese beliefs and societal structures.
Yin Xu, the last capital of the Shang Dynasty, is one of the oldest and largest archaeological sites in the Chinese mainland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is renowned for its rich historical artifacts, including oracle bone inscriptions—the earliest known form of Chinese writing.
The new findings contribute substantially to the comprehension of the region’s historical timeline. Researchers are optimistic that ongoing excavations will continue to reveal details about life over three millennia ago, deepening the global understanding of ancient Chinese civilization.
Reference(s):
Chinese character-shaped tombs uncover Shang Dynasty burial insights
cgtn.com
