Archaeologists have discovered a new series of tombs at the Wangzhuang ruins in central China’s Henan province, with one discovery causing particular excitement: Tomb M27. Due to its size, the coffins found inside and the abundance of grave goods, it is believed that this tomb belonged to a prehistoric king. The find suggests that the site may have been the capital of an ancient kingdom from the Neolithic Dawenkou culture, which existed from around 4,000 to 2,600 BC. BC flourished

“The recent discovery suggests that the Wangzhuang ruins are not an ordinary settlement, but rather the capital of a prehistoric kingdom,” said Zhu Guanghua, an associate professor at Capital Normal University and lead archaeologist of the excavation. His comments were reported by China Daily.

Grave M27, which is approximately 15 feet long and 12 feet wide, is one of the largest graves from this period. Particularly noteworthy is the wooden coffin inside, whose inner and outer vessels are each approximately 182 square meters in size. Inside the tomb, archaeologists found about 350 funerary artifacts, including nearly 200 jade ornaments, bone tools, animal remains and 100 pieces of ceramics. The discovery of pig jaws – common animal bones in the grave – indicates the wealth of the grave owner.

Experts now believe the site has greater significance for understanding early Chinese civilization. “His discoveries testify to the initial exchanges of early Chinese civilization and provide evidence of the nature of diversity within Chinese civilization,” said Li Zinwei, deputy director at the Institute of Ancient History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He added that the site is crucial for studying cultural fusion in various prehistoric regions of China.

In addition to the wide range of artifacts documenting early trade and cultural exchange within China and the Yangtze River basin, the site also contained items indicative of local rituals. These included burying the teeth of a water deer and small-mouthed jars. Archeology magazine has stated that the Dawenkou culture is known for its advances in pottery production and its influence on the ritual practices of later Chinese dynasties.

Zhu Guanghua further suggested that the tomb may have been damaged shortly after its construction, possibly due to rival factions. Most of the tomb occupant’s remains were removed, with only the toe bones remaining, and ceremonial items were intentionally broken. This damage may indicate an act of defiance on the part of those who opposed the tomb’s owner.

While M27 is the most outstanding find, archaeologists have also excavated 45 other tombs from the Dawenkou culture. Archaeologist Liu Haiwang explained: “The exquisite pottery, stone tools and jade artifacts clearly demonstrate the division of labor and productivity levels of the period.” He added: “The wealth of grave goods is closely related to the size of the tombs, suggesting that “A clear social hierarchy and class stratification had already developed in this prehistoric society.”

This discovery provides new insights into the complex society that existed in ancient China and sheds light on early political, social and cultural developments.