Archaeologists in central China's Henan Province poured liquid out of a bronze pot unearthed from a Western Han Dynasty (202 BC to AD 8) tomb into a measuring glass, which gave off an aroma of rich wine.
近日，中国中部河南省的考古学家从一座西汉（公元前202年至公元8年）古墓中挖出了一个青铜壶，并将壶中的液体倒入一个量杯里，随即杯中散发出浓郁的酒香。"There are 3.5 liters of the liquid in the color of transparent yellow. It smells like wine," said Shi Jiazhen, head of the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology in the city of Luoyang.
洛阳市文物考古研究院院长史家珍称：“壶中大约有3.5升的呈透明黄色的液体。闻起来像是酒。”He said the discovered content needs to undergo further lab research so the team can accurately ascertain the ingredients of the liquid.
他表示，发现的液体需要进一步的实验室研究，这样研究团队才能准确的弄清液体的成分。
A large number of color-painted clay pots and bronze artifacts were also unearthed from the tomb, which covers 210 square meters. The remains of the tomb occupant have been preserved, said Shi.
史家珍称，这座占地210平方米的古墓中还出土了大量彩绘陶罐和青铜器，墓主的遗体也保存完好。He said they will conduct lab research on items found in the main tomb chamber.
他表示，研究人员将对主墓室内发现的物品进行实验室研究。Similar-aged rice wine had earlier been found in other tombs dating back to the Western Han period.
在其他西汉时期的墓葬中也发现了类似年份的米酒。Liquor made from rice or sorghum grains were a major part of ceremonies and ritual sacrifices in ancient China. It was often contained with elaborate bronze cast vessels.
用大米或高粱酿制的酒是中国古代仪式和祭祀的主要部分，经常盛在精致的青铜铸造容器里。