Seventeen ancient tombs were exposed when an express highway in North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was being constructed. The seventeen tombs are believed to have been built in the Warring States Period (403-221 BCE).
     Experts were surprised by the unique burial style. Bodies were put in jars, pots or basins and then buried in tombs in nearby Chenjiaying Village.
     An ancient village dating back 4,000 years was discovered at nearly the same location as the tombs. The discoveries were made by specialists from a research institute on archaeology of the autonomous region. At the Xiajiadian village site stone adzes, stone spades and axes were found along with some pottery and potsherd.
     The excavation should be finished in about three months, according to experts.

Source: Xinhua News Agency, (29 May 2005)