2,200-year-old bronze artifacts — including 7 swords — unearthed in China. See finds
While exploring an ancient site in China, a team of archaeologists recently stumbled upon an abundant trove of ancient bronze objects dating back at least 2,200 years. Among their finds were plates, tripods, decorative ornaments — and a collection of swords.
Experts were exploring one of three sprawling sites in Shaoxing, officials from the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology said, according to a Feb. 7 post from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The three sites are known as Tingshan, Nanshantou and Nanshan.
The sites — and the ruins and artifacts found during excavations — date to China’s Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States era, which lasted from 770 B.C. until about 221 B.C.
Archaeologists also found the ruins of a large building and other ancient remains while exploring the three sites. Here’s what they discovered.
Swords and other bronze artifacts
The seven swords and bronze artifacts were unearthed at the Nanshan site, officials said.
Of the seven swords, only three were completely preserved. Two fragments from the weapons had characters engraved on them, according to archaeologists.
Photos show one of the engraved blades and a fully preserved sword.
Experts also found pottery, porcelain, metalware, bamboo, wood artifacts, and plant and animal remains.
Among the animal remains, they found evidence of cattle, pigs, deer, fish and rare horses. There were also leftover grains and the remains of vegetables and fruits.
A large ceremonial building
At the Tingshan site, archaeologists found the ruins of what they believe was once a large ceremonial public building.
Experts unearthed part of the building’s foundation: an east-west wall spanning about 180 feet long and a north-south wall spanning about 30 feet wide.
Whoever built the ancient structure likely dug the foundation’s trench and then placed a ground beam with attached columns into the trench, according to officials.
Archaeologists unearthed the building’s intricate column network, including exquisitely decorated and painted pillars.
An ancient wharf and sacrificial pit
In another area of the Tingshan site, experts identified the ruins of an ancient wharf, known as the Linshui Wharf.
Archaeologists discovered three organized rows of wooden stakes left from the ancient dock-like structure.
They also found the remains of a sacrificial pit — still filled with offerings.
The pit held artifacts, including charcoal and food, according to officials.
Shaoxing is in the Zhejiang province in eastern China.
Google Translate and Baidu were used to translate a post from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
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