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Curation Team

1. Archaeologists uncover extra-large 5,000-year-old ‘king’s tomb’ in China
A tomb in Henan province, potentially belonging to a prehistoric king, featured jade ornaments, numerous artefacts and other signs of wealth, suggesting it was a capital of a prehistoric kingdom.
2. Song dynasty women wore tank tops, transparent outfits 800 years ago
Discover the avant-garde fashion of the Song dynasty, during which women wore tank tops and transparent outfits, revealed through digital reconstruction of an ancient tomb’s treasures by Wuhan Textile University.
3. Iconic Lion of Venice statue could be of ancient Chinese origin, Italian scientists reveal
The winged lion statue watching over St Mark’s Square, a symbol of the north Italian city, was originally a Chinese tomb guardian from the Tang dynasty dating back more than 1,000 years, raising questions about its journey to Italy.

4. Scientists uncover world’s oldest cheese buried with mummies in Xinjiang, China
Chinese researchers have discovered the world’s oldest cheese, a 3,500-year-old kefir cheese, in Xinjiang’s Tarim Basin, challenging previous beliefs about ancient diets and animal husbandry practices.
5. China’s dinosaur scientists lead first Central Asia expeditions, marking global research breakthrough
China’s leading researchers of dinosaurs have embarked on pioneering expeditions to Central Asia, marking the nation’s first international foray into the region. This historic move aims to solidify China’s role in global palaeontology, following decades of catching up with international counterparts.
6. AI helping to revolutionise archaeology as Chinese study deciphers 3,000-year-old oracle bones
A recent study using AI to analyse 3,000-year-old Chinese oracle bones reveals insights into ancient left- and right-handedness, showcasing how the technology is revolutionising archaeological research and understanding human evolution.
Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI.


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SCMP Highlights

Ancient king’s tomb unearthed in China, Song dynasty fashion shock, world’s oldest cheese and more historical finds

Chinese scientists have created a digital reconstruction of a wealthy woman’s clothing from the Southern Song dynasty. Photo: Wuhan Textile University

Researchers have proved that the Lion of Venice statue which stands in St Mark’s Square, Venice, originated in China. Photo: Shutterstock

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China

Science

From ancient Chinese kings to cutting-edge AI in archaeology, explore fascinating discoveries that rewrite history in some of our recent stories looking into the past


From ancient Chinese kings to cutting-edge AI in archaeology, explore fascinating discoveries that rewrite history in some of our recent stories looking into the past.


Recap | Ancient king’s tomb unearthed in China, Song dynasty fashion shock, world’s oldest cheese and more historical finds

From ancient Chinese kings to cutting-edge AI in archaeology, explore fascinating discoveries that rewrite history in some of our recent stories looking into the past