SHENZHEN, September 14-- A cluster of 20 tombs from the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th century B.C.) were recently discovered in Nanshan District in this south China city in Guangdong Province.

The tombs, buried underground and covering an area of 300 square meters, were found by local archeologists on a trial excavation at the foot and peak of the mountain in local areas.

This group of tombs may help archeologists' study the life, economy and trade situation of southern people living prior to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.), whose records had been scarce in historical books and documents, experts noted.

Stone tools, copper axes, jade spears and ceramic pots were excavated from the tombs, local sources said.

Experts did not draw a conclusion on the ancient occupants of the residence, but they suspect that there are tombs belonging to persons of higher status near the area.

A total of over 300 ancient tombs were found in the province last year.

-- source: Xinhua News Agency

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