Royal Zhou Chariot Pits

Luoyang, China

Luoyang became the capital of the Eastern Zhou in 771 BC, when the beleaguered Ping Wang relocated his capital eastwards from Xi'an to the "sunny side" - yang, the north bank - of the Luo river. In 2002, archaeologists found a number of Eastern Zhou chariot pits on the east side of the ancient city. The most exciting of these finds was the burial of a chariot, presumed royal, that was pulled by six horses. An impressive modern reconstruction is seen here.