A fish contained in a bronze cooking vessel dating back at least 2,200 years has been discovered in a tomb of an ancient senior official in Cili County in central China's Hunan Province.
The fish was a sacrifice remained well preserved, making it a rare archaeological find.
The tomb is located near Shiban village, in Lingxi Town, and has been identified as belonging to the Chu State of the Warring States period (475-221 B.C.).
Experts have unearthed many kinds of relics such as bronze appliances, lacquer ware as well as various weapons from the grave.
The occupant of the grave was identified as a senior military officer of the Chu State in charge of military affairs in northwest Hunan, according to experts.
The grave was discovered in a graveyard where experts say there were a group of ancient tombs dating from the period from 475 B.C. to 24 A.D., which are yet to be excavated.
Judging from the location of the tomb, graves of higher ranking officials may probably exist in the graveyard, experts say.
(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2003)
