Archaeologists in Luoyang have excavated the tomb of a high-ranking Tang Dynasty diplomat, uncovering a perfectly preserved imperial diplomatic carriage. The vehicle, designed to showcase the power and wealth of the emperor, features intact wooden wheels and a chassis adorned with intricate gilded bronze fittings and phoenix-shaped tassels.
Surrounding the carriage were the remains of silk horse-trappings and leather harnesses, confirming the diplomat's high status within the Imperial Court. This discovery offers scholars a detailed look at the technologies of movement and diplomatic pageantry used during the peak of the Silk Road's cultural and political exchange.