SHIJIAZHUANG, March 22 -- Villagers in north China's Hebei Province have found an inscribed stone dating back to the rule of Kublai Khan, the first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, some 700 years ago.
The stone had been used to cover a well at farm in Wanzhuang Village, Linxi County, until a villager noticed characters inscribed on it and reported his observations to cultural heritage authorities.
Based on the 928 characters, the 1.86-meter stele was erected in 1294, said Yang Zunyi, a local historian.
It records the return home of retired marshal Lu Tong, converted to Buddhism, and chronicles the rebuilding of a monastery in his hometown of Linqing, currently in Linxi County, said Yang.
"The stele echoes the records of Linqing County about Lu Tong, who was conferred the title of marshal by Kublai Khan after defeating enemies in the founding of Yuan Dynasty," he said.
