Two ancient brick tombs from Wei-Jin period discovered in North China's Shanxi

Two brick-chamber tombs from the Wei (220-265) and Jin (265-420) dynasties were discovered in Lüliang, North China's Shanxi Province. This is the first such finding in the region and holds significant importance for studying the evolution of burial structures in the area as well as the regional characteristics of tombs in that era, according to a report revealed by the Shanxi provincial institute of archaeology on Thursday.

Wang Pujun, lead archaeologist of the excavation project, noted that the tombs originate from the same period but were built for different families. While no artifacts bearing explicit chronological inscriptions were found, a comprehensive analysis of the tomb structures and excavated artifacts allowed archaeologists to confirm their dating to the Wei and Jin dynasties, according to the Chinanews.com.

The discovery provides crucial new insights into the region's funerary history. offering valuable information on the development of burial structures in the area, Wang said.

One of the tombs features a passageway, an entrance gate, a corridor, a sealing door, a main chamber, and a side chamber. Excavations have yielded 15 artifacts, including 10 pottery pieces in the main chamber, as well as a bronze mirror, pottery jars, a silver bracelet, and bronze hairpins. The second tomb, a single-chamber brick structure, contained a bronze mirror, bronze hairpins, a pottery jar, and a canopy stand.

The excavation project, located in Shangmiao village, Fenyang of Lüliang, began in July 2021.