Tombs of Eastern Han excavated in N China's Hebei

Photo taken on Aug 26, 2015 shows the site of the tomb excavation. [Photo/Xinhua]

An archaeological excavation of ancient tombs from the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220) has been completed in Huanghua city, North China's Hebei province, on Aug 26, 2015.

Exquisite examples of decorative bricks have been discovered at the dig site. Bricks feature rhomboid patterns, carriages and horses, dragons and clouds, said Lei Jianhong, a researcher with the Hebei Provincial Cultural Relics Research Institute.

The tombs were discovered by farmers from a village in Huanghua in March 2014; the institute began its excavation on July 28.

There are two tombs positioned next to each other, in an east-west direction, and they have multiple chambers.

However, according to archaeologists, the tombs were pillaged by grave robbers and the west tomb is severely damaged.

Lei said that most of the decorative bricks must have been stolen, but somehow a few survived and were reasonably well preserved.

Still, more than 20 pieces of pottery have been found in the tombs.

Archaeologists said that the tombs may provide clues for the study of the burial customs, living conditions and engraving art of the Eastern Han Dynasty.