Archeologists in central China's Hubei Province have identified a mysterious tomb as belonging to a high-ranking official who lived more than 2,000 years ago.

The tomb of Dao Hua, whose rank was equivalent to defense minister of the Chu Kingdom in the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), was found in Shayang County in January.

Experts spent nearly 10 months trying to identify whose tomb it was, through the size and layout of the chamber, as well as the number of weapons and horse carts unearthed, which all symbolized high status.

"More importantly, we found Dao Hua's name engraved in several broken bamboo slips that were used as paper in ancient times," said Prof. Li Tianhong with Wuhan University.