An archaeologist examines a bronze willow sword unearthed on Friday in Chongqing. (Source: CRIENGLISH.com/Chongqing Business News) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Dec. 16 -- Archaeologists have unearthed cultural artifacts that date back to the Neolithic period, more than 4,000 years ago, in Chongqing in southwestern China.

    Several days ago the archeologists unearthed seven tombs that belong to the Han Dynasty, Chongqing Business News reported. On Saturday, they dug out several pieces of stone tools, including an axe, a peeling tool, shovels and adzes. They also found a delicate bronze willow sword and a lance with particular Ba cultural images. "Ba" refers to the people who lived in Chongqing and Sichuan Province in ancient China.

    It is the first time that Neolithic artifacts have been found in Chongqing. They indicate that human beings had already settled in the area some 2,000 years earlier than previously believed.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)