Historical sites unearthed in Central China

With a history of over 3,000 years, Nanyang, Henan province, is known for its abundant historical and cultural relics.

As many as 21 historical sites have been discovered in the city recently, adding further testament to its long history and culture. An archaeological survey for the construction of the Zhengzhou-Wanzhou Railway and Mengxi-Huazhong Railway, led to the recent discoveries.

The Zhengzhou-Wanzhou Railway is being constructed through a 140 kilometer stretch of Nanyang, and 11 historical sites have been unearthed, including a tomb complex in Fangcheng county, the Donggangli site in Sheqi county, Hongying site in Wancheng district and Fohui temple site in Dengzhou.

The Mengxi-Huazhong Railway will cover 117 kilometers in Nanyang, and construction has unearthed 10 historical sites, including Angou site in Xixia county, Wangying site in Neixiang county, Mazhuang tomb complex in Xichuan county and Baimiao temple tomb complex in Dengzhou.

The local archaeological bureau carried out a primary inspection of the sites shortly after their discoveries.

The historical sites cover a wide range of periods according to a local archaeologist, including the Neolithic times to Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC), the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), reflecting Nanyang's rich history.

Among all the sites, the tomb complex in Fangcheng county is of greatest importance to archaeologists, and is believed to be the tomb of a general from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Partial excavation work was carried out in the late 1980s, with a significant amount of pottery unearthed.

Yanggang site, located in Yanggang village, Dengzhou, came to public attention, with nine different underground layers discovered. Pottery works and animal bones were found at the site.

Mocheng site in Gaogui village, Dengzhou, is believed to be the military base established by Mocius, a dominated strategist, and Lu Ban, an architect in ancient China, and can be dated back over 2,400 years.

According to the local archaeological bureau, further probes and excavation will be carried out in the near future, whilst protecting the sites will be the main priority.