A great archaeological find in central China's Henan Province. Several vessels containing traces of meat stew prepared more than 2,000 years ago were found in a tomb built during the ancient state of Chu, between 700 and 200 B.C.

A cauldron containing meat and bone fragments was excavated from a tomb in Chengyang district near the city of Xinyang, in Henan Province. It dates back to the Warring States period, some 2,000 years ago.

Experts say the bones found in the cauldron come from the front limbs of a cow.

A great archaeological find in central China's Henan Province. Several vessels containing traces of meat stew prepared more than 2,000 years ago were found in a tomb built during the ancient state of Chu, between 700 and 200 B.C.

"The bones were identified as those of oxen, which led experts to believe we had stumbled upon a pot of beef soup. In total we found 5 such cauldrons. According to ancient Chinese custom, deceased nobility were often buried with portions of their favorite foods to enjoy in the afterlife," archeologist Wu Zhijiang said.

The precise date of the find has not yet been revealed. And the specific location of the tomb site and the identity of its owner were not revealed for security reasons. However, according to the regional archeological institute, the ruins are known to belong to the ancient state of Chu, one of the kingdoms that existed in China between 700 and 200 BC. 

It is part of a series of archeological excavations on 8 ancient tombs that have unearthed some 2,000 precious relics. In total, there are more than 100 ancient tombs in the area.

Experts say the bones found in the cauldron come from the front limbs of a cow.