In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, tombs shaped like the Chinese character '中' (Zhong) have been unearthed in the peripheral areas of the Yin Xu site in Anyang, Henan Province. These large, character-shaped tombs mark the first of their kind found in the region, offering a fresh perspective on the burial practices of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC).
The discovery was made at the Dapo site in southwest Yin Xu during infrastructure construction in 2022, as revealed by Cui Zongliang, deputy director of the Anyang Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology. Despite severe looting over the centuries, the tombs have provided valuable data that enhance our understanding of the Shang Dynasty’s burial system, site layout, structural designs, and chronological developments.
Archaeologists believe that these tombs could signify a unique aspect of Shang burial rituals or represent a specific social status within the dynasty. The meticulous shape of the tombs suggests a possible symbolic or cultural significance that warrants further study. This significant find not only enriches the historical narrative of Yin Xu but also underscores the importance of preserving archaeological sites amidst modern development.
Reference(s):
Chinese character-shaped tombs uncover Shang Dynasty burial insights
cgtn.com
