Archaeologists in China have uncovered a cache of ancient musical instruments dating back more than 2,700 years that are believed to be the earliest in the country, reports China state news agency Xinhua.

The cluster of musical instruments, which was discovered in a complex of tombs in central China's Hubei province, included a broken Se and the frame of a Bianzhong set. A Se is a 25-stringed instrument that is plucked and is similar to the modern guzheng, and a Bianzhong is set of bronze chimes.

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Unfortunately the tombs had long been robbed and had collapsed before the archaeologists got there.

"Only half of the Se remains, but we can see clearly holes on it for cords," said Zhang Xiang of the Hubei provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeological research. "It is the earliest discovered in China. Delicately made, it demonstrates the high musical level of China 27 centuries ago."

The archaeologists also excavated a  15.4-foot beam and seven pieces of chime bases decorated with dragon and phoenix patterns.

 "We have never found such large Bianzhong sets before," said Fang Qin, head of the institute.

The graveyard where the tombs are located covers more than a square kilometer. Archaeologists also found 400 pieces of bronze, pottery, and 27 horse-drawn carts.

Experts said the find will help them study musical development from the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771BC) to the Warring States Period (476-221BC), reports Chutian Metropolis Daily.

Fang said the discoveries, which also uncovered large pits for horses and weapons, could change current theories and opinions about the Zeng state. He said the find demonstrates that the Zeng state during the early Spring and Autumn Period was a more significant power than previously thought.

TagsArchaeologists Discover Earliest Musical instruments in China, China discovers earliest musical instruments, Se, Bianzhong, Western Zhou Dynasty, Spring and Autumn Period, Hubei, Fang Qin