Amazing finds unearthed at the Marquis of Haihun's tomb

Photo taken on Aug 6, 2015 shows chimes unearthed at the excavation site of royal tombs of Marquis of Haihun State of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) in Nanchang, capital of East China's Jiangxi province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Since the provincial institute of archaeology in Jiangxi released their finds on Nov 4, the royal tombs of the Marquis of Haihun State of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) have caught the public eye.

The Marquis of Haihun cemetery covers roughly 40,000 square meters and contains eight tombs and a chariot burial site.

After a five year study of the tombs, experts have declared them the best-preserved royal tombs of the West Han Dynasty ever discovered in China. They have the most complete structure, the clearest layout as well as the most complete ritual system by far.

Many precious relics and a large amount of ancient money have been found in the cemetery, leading archeologists to conclude that the tomb owner was an aristocrat.

Archeologists suspect that the main tomb is that of Liu He, grandson of Emperor Wu, the greatest ruler of the Han Dynasty, one of the most prosperous periods in China's history. Liu was given the title "Haihunhou " (Marquis of Haihun) after he was deposed as emperor after only 27 days, dethroned by the royal clan because of his lack of talent and morals. Haihun is the ancient name of a very small kingdom in the north of Jiangxi.

As the tomb of "Haihunhou" is still under excavation, we can look forward to even more new discoveries that will continue to surprise. Let's take a look at the luxurious items unearthed so far. They also give some indication of the tomb owner's hobbies in life.