NANNING - An ancient tomb dating back to the late Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220), nearly 2,000 years ago, has been found in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, local authorities said on Thursday.

The tomb was discovered by construction workers in Zhongshan county, according to Chen Xiaolin, head of the county's cultural relics office.

Archaeologists unearthed pottery jars, pots, copper bowls and coins from the tomb. They also found agate earrings, a copper mirror and spinning wheels in the tomb, suggesting it belonged to a woman.

The tomb is located in the Siqinjiang River basin, which was an important part of the historical maritime Silk Road, an ancient commercial route via which China sold silk, ceramics and tea to overseas markets.

The findings in the tomb will provide vital evidence for research of the maritime Silk Road, Chen said.