China Focus: Major finds at Wuwangdun illuminate China's Warring States period

HEFEI, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The Wuwangdun tomb, under archaeological excavation in east China's Anhui Province, has been confirmed by the National Cultural Heritage Administration as the largest and highest-level tomb from the ancient Chu state dating back over 2,200 years.

During the reign of King Cheng in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), Xiong Yi was enfeoffed as the ruler of Chu. Historical records indicate that in remote mountains, he cleared the forests, driving a cart of firewood and wearing ragged clothes. His offerings to the King of Zhou included peach wood bows and thorn branch arrows. At an event held by King Cheng to meet with lords of the vassal states, he could only guard the fire pits in the courtyard and was not entitled to participation.