Ancient 'mini library' unearthed

Half a century after the first excavation of Mawangdui Han Tombs, amended version of old manuscripts, preserved on silk, is published, Wang Xin reports in Shanghai.

The Mawangdui Han Tombs in Changsha, Hunan province, which have been recognized as one of the greatest archaeological findings of the 20th century, have offered not only massive pieces of artifacts but also presented a mini "library" of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220).

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs. On Sunday, after four years of efforts in making revisions and additions, an amended version of the Mawangdui Bamboo Slips and Silk Manuscripts was published, which is compiled by Hunan Museum and the Center for Research on Chinese Excavated Classics and Paleography at Fudan University in Shanghai, to celebrate the special occasion.