A stele with no inscriptions to explain who made it and why and when, is believed to be China's oldest.
The stele, dating back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), was unearthed in Xinzheng City in central China's Henan Province.
It is 3.25 meters long, 0.45 meters wide and 0.25 meters thick. The stele is pointed at the top and is made of gray grit stone.
It was discovered among the palace relics area at Zhenghan, an ancient city from the Warring States Period. As well as the stele, ancient tombs, bronze ware, a well, buildings, and roads were also discovered.
Many noted Chinese historians and archaeologists have studied the stele since it was found in 1997. Most have agreed that it is several hundred years older than the steles belonging to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), which were previously believed to be the oldest in China.
Acording to the bronze wares and sacrifice items found the relic site and historical documents, experts presume that the stele was built for a well-known temple of the Han State during the Warring States Period.
(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2002)
