A large tomb complex dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (AD 220-280) has been discovered in east China's Zhejiang Province, Xinhua News Agency reported on October 13.

The find followed the initial unearthing of a 1.6 meter-wide, 2 meter-deep, and 5 meter-long tomb in Dongqiao Township of Ningbo City.

Ding Youfu, associate professor at the Ningbo Administration of Culture Relics Preservation, said inscriptions on tomb relics clearly showed that it was built in AD 256.

"Figures embodying fish, beasts, dragons, phoenixes and money can be seen in the wall of the grave," Ding said. "They are incredibly refined and clear cut."

This is so far the best-preserved ancient tomb ever discovered in the region despite a crack on the roof, according to Ding.

Xie Guoqi, another member of the archeological team, said future excavation will be conducted over 5,000 square meters, within which archaeologists believe there are at least five other tombs.

Other objects discovered at the site include porcelain vessels, copper coins and bronze mirrors, said Xie.

The tomb complex was discovered by a forklift truck operator working on the site of a refuse dump, but the date of the find was not reported.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2005)