Tombs excavated in Xi'an possibly linked to First Emperor

Archeologists discovered in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, a large cemetery site of State Qin (Qin Dynasty 221BC-206BC). After preliminary studies and excavation in 2005 experts believe the tombs are of prince rank and may be the mausoleum of the grandmother of China's First Emperor (259BC-210BC).

The cemetery is 550 meters long from south to north, 310 meters long from east to west and occupies an area of 260 mu (about 17.3 hectares). The north zone of it is 410 meters long and consists of a large tomb with four tunnels which are lined with 12 pits buried with the dead.

From a pit with the serial number K8, which is currently being excavated, a vehicle and six dobbins were found which are of the standard of emperor. Vehicle and horse gears are also found in the pit.

By People's Daily Online