FLood unearths ancient tombs in Xinjiang

This year, flash flooding in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region brought a surprising find. A group of ancient tombs dating back at least 2,000 years were unearthed in Qiemo Town.

In August, the county of Ah Qiang suffered sudden floods. But out of disaster came discovery. A number of sheep bones, gravel, fragments of pottery and other items were unearthed. Archaeologists paid a visit to the incident site and found that there should be a tomb group, located at 2,800 meters above sea level.

12 ancient tombs have been found there. Their top layer is very thick, and would never have been found if not for the flood. The tombs are estimated to be between 2,000 to 2,500 years old.

What's been found so far is mostly pottery. Some human jaw bones have been found as well. Excavation work is still underway.