China / China

Ancient general's tomb unearthed in Henan

(chinadaily.com.cn/Xinhua) Updated: 2010-05-18 11:54

Archaeologists excavate a tomb confirmed to belong to Cao Xiu, a noted general from the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD), in Mangshan county, Luoyang city, Central China's Henan province on May 17, 2010. The 50 by 21-meter tomb, which was found at the end of 2009, has a similar structure to that of Cao Cao, King Wu of Wei kingdom in the Three Kingdoms period (AD 208 to 280). A newly unearthed bronze seal engraved with Cao Xiu's name reveals the tomb owner's identity, and the Henan provincial bureau of cultural relics confirmed it at a press conference held in Luoyang on May 17. Cao Xiu is recorded in Chinese history books as a courageous fighter and high-ranking officer. History books also say Cao Cao took Cao Xiu as a son, even though the two were not related by blood. [Photo/Xinhua]

Archeologists in central China's Henan Province say they have found the tomb of a noted general from the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD).

The tomb of Cao Xiu was found in Mengjin County of Luoyang City at the end of last year, said Sun Yingmin, spokesman of the Henan provincial cultural heritage bureau, at a press conference Monday.

The tomb, 50 meters long and 21 meters wide, held chinaware, copperware, liquor cups, and jars as well as some human bones, said Sun.

Tests suggested the bones belonged to a 50-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, he said.

A bronze seal, about the size of a coin and engraved with Cao Xiu's name revealed the tomb owner's identity, he added.

Cao Xiu is recorded in Chinese history books as a courageous fighter and high-ranking officer. He died of illness in 228, but no record of his birth has been found.

The tomb was similar to that of Cao Cao, found in Anyang City, of Henan Province, in December, said Sun.

History books say Cao Cao took Cao Xiu as a son, though the two were not blood relations.

The discovery of Cao Cao's tomb was listed as one of China's greatest archaeological achievements last year. However, it triggered skepticism from scholars and Internet commentators who questioned its authenticity.

Experts from Shanghai's Fudan University are trying to get DNA from Cao's descendants and compare it with the DNA extracted from a skull uncovered in the tomb.

Cao Cao (155-220 AD), who built the strongest and most prosperous state during the Three Kingdoms period (208-280 AD), is remembered for his outstanding military and political talents.