Qin tomb discovered in Shaanxi

A new archaeological site has been unveiled in China's Shaanxi Province. Two tombs from the Qin Kindom in the time of the Warring States are under excavation. The tombs can be dated back to over 2,200 years ago and are estimated to belong to the great grandfather of Emperor Qinshihuang, the first emperor of ancient China.

The site is located in the Lintong district of Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province. Experts have confirmed that the site covers a large-scale tomb complex, which includes two large graves, two sacrifice pits, 11 small graves and four architectural relics. Outside the range of the cemetery, there also lie 161 sacrifice pits and graves.

The two main large graves have equal size and scale, with four tomb passages.

Archaeologist Sun Weigang said, "The tombs discovered before this are in different shapes. The tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, which is later in time, lies in a north-to-south direction and has walls surrounding it. This tomb here also lies in the same direction but has no walls, only ditches."

The tomb is said to belong to King Qinzhaoxiang, the ruler of the Qin Kindom in time of the Warring States. At that time, China was divided into several kingdoms and endured tangled warfares. Under the 56-year rule of King Qinzhaoxiang, Qin was on the rise to its powerful peak. And his great grandson Emperor Qinshihuang, finally united the country and became the first emperor of China.