Society

Ancient road, inscriptions found in Henan

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-20 11:27

ZHENGZHOU - Archaeologists in Central China's Henan province said they have found an ancient road and several inscriptions near the Hanguguan Pass, a road used by trading caravans during China's dynastic period.

The relics were discovered on a cliff 200 meters east of the Guan Tower in the village of Dongguan, where part of the pass is located. About 100 meters of road were uncovered.

The inscriptions found were incomplete, but archaeologists were able to decipher characters indicating that they were created during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).

Historians said since the road served as a passage to the ancient Silk Road, the new finds might qualify to be listed on the World Heritage List.

The Hanguguan Pass was originally built before the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) near the city of Lingbao.

During the Han Dynasty (202 BC - AD 220), the pass was relocated to nearby Xin'an county. It was militarily and economically significant at that time, as it linked Luoyang and Xi'an, two of China's ancient capitals.