Ancient Tomb M99 Reveals Lost Secrets of China's Warring States Period

A remarkable archaeological discovery has shed new light on the Warring States period in China. Tomb M99, unearthed in Fengjie county, Chongqing, stands as the largest and most significant burial site of its kind in the Three Gorges Reservoir region. Dating back roughly 2,300 years, the tomb's unique design and rich contents have captivated researchers for decades. The tomb, shaped like the Chinese character jia (甲), stretches 7.02 metres deep and held nearly 200 bronze artifacts alongside human remains. Its intricate structure highlights the advanced construction skills of the era. Archaeologist Yuan Dongshan, who took charge of the Yong'an Town cemetery excavations in 2003, described the site as far more than a burial ground—it reveals the lives of those who once inhabited the land.

By 2005, over 1,200 artifacts had been recovered, including pottery, jade, gold, and silver objects. These finds pointed to a blending of Chu and Ba cultural influences, a discovery later detailed in Yuan's 2025 research publication. However, much of the surrounding heritage, including Fengjie's ancient town, now lies submerged due to the Three Gorges Dam project.

Yuan's latest book, Fengjie Yong'an Town Cemetery, compiles years of study on the site. His team's work ensured that every artifact, down to those near the waterline, was carefully extracted and preserved. Today, as deputy director of the Chongqing Municipal Research Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, he continues to advocate for the protection of such historical treasures. The findings from M99 provide concrete evidence of cultural exchange during the Warring States period. Yuan Dongshan's research ensures that, despite the site's partial submersion, its significance remains documented. The tomb's artifacts and structure now serve as a vital record of China's ancient past.