Ancient Chinese tomb dating back 2,500 years uncovered to shed light on obscure kingdom

The little-known Luhun kingdom existed between 638BC to 525BC

The tomb of a Luhun nobleman and his family also contained the skeletons of 13 horses and six chariots (REX Features)

Chinese archaeologists have uncovered a 2,500-year-old- tomb thought to contain the skeletons of an ancient royal family.

The tomb in Luoyang city, Henan province, is believed to originate from the relatively-unknown Luhun Kingdom, which only lasted 113 years between 638BC and 525BC, according People’s Daily Online.

Thought to be the tomb of a Luhun nobleman or royal - copper belts and ceremonial pots were discovered along with a nearby burial pit complete with chariots and whole horse skeletons.

The excavation began in 2009 after a spate of grave robbing in the area, which hosts around 200 different ancient tombs, South China Morning Post reports.

Due to the tomb’s size, which is at 21 feet long, 17 feet wide and 28 feet deep, experts believe it to be the resting place of a royal family who wielded little political power.

The tomb had suffered from damage caused by water and grave robbers, but the interior coffin was protected by plaster and a coffin board.

The horse burial pit contained the skeletons of 13 horses and six chariots. The horses had been carefully arranged on their sides, with decorations placed on their carcasses.

It is hoped the tomb will help historians gain a better understanding of the movements of the migratory Rong people, an ethnic minority which made up the population of the short-lived Luhan kingdom.