2,000-year-old tomb complex found in central China

A large tomb complex dating back around 2,000 years was discovered in the city of Sanmenxia in central China's Henan Province, local authorities said Tuesday.

The site was found during road construction in the city of Lingbao, a county-level city in Sanmenxia, according to the Sanmenxia institute of cultural heritage and archaeology.

Based on the structural characteristics of the complex and the unearthed cultural relics, cultural workers in the institute said the site belonged to the Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD).

The complex, consisting of many family tomb groups, has 76 ancient tombs. More than 720 cultural relics such as bronzeware, pottery and ironware were excavated. A rare seal of the tomb owner was also found at the location.

The discovery is one of the largest in Lingbao, which can help with the study of politics, culture and economy in the Han Dynasty, according to the cultural experts.