Archaeologists Uncover Gold, Treasure From 2,100-Year-Old Tomb In China

Archaeologists have found gold and other precious treasures, including silver and jade, in the tomb of an emperor in China's Xuyi County in Jiangsu.

Valuable treasures including gold, silver, bronze, jade and lacquer were discovered in the tomb of Liu Fei, who ruled the kingdom of Jiangdu for 26 years, ending his rule when he died in 128 B.C.

Along with precious stone and metals, archaeologists investigating the tomb also discovered multiple life-size chariots, accompanied by miniature chariots.

Researchers with the Nanjing Museum, the group that excavated the site, quickly discovered the site and excavated it because it was in danger of being quarried. The archaeology team said in a recent article that they discovered "three main tombs, 11 attendant tombs, two chariot-and-horse pits, two weaponry pits" in Liu Fei's tomb.

The items buried with the king were meant to accompany him to the afterlife, providing riches, protection, and transportation for his journey into heaven. Some of the chariots found in the tomb were miniature in stature because they were meant to fit into the afterlife.

Liu Fei was also buried with a wide array of weaponry, including iron, swords, crossbows, and knives, should he encounter any resistance in his trek after death. The archaeologists affiliated with the Nanjing Museum wrote in their article that although none of the items were blundered from the tomb, Liu Fei's body is missing from his coffin, and several of the other coffins have been damaged throughout the years.

"Near the coffins many jade pieces and fragments, originally parts of the jade burial suit, were discovered. These pieces also indicate that the inner coffin, originally lacquered and inlaid with jade plaques, was exquisitely manufactured," the article adds.