Seeds of melon (Cucumis melo L., Cucurbitaceae) discovered in the principal tomb (M1) of Haihun Marquis (59 BC) in Nanchang, China.

A cluster of melon seeds (Cucumis melo L.) has recently been unearthed in the principal tomb (M1) of Haihun Marquis in Jiangxi Province, China. These seeds were very well preserved in a waterlogged and anoxic condition with clear archaeological strata, which not only provide new evidence to explore the utilization of melons in ancient times but also provide a new perspective in the study of the lifestyle of Liu He, the tomb owner. The seeds were discovered in the food cellar of the main tomb chamber (M1), as well as in the different parts of Liu He's body found in the inner coffin, which indicates that melon was one of his favorite fruits, even probably part of his last meal. Moreover, the seeds also provide perfect samples to explore the time of Liu He's burial. Combined with the ripening season of melon and mume, it can be ascertained that the time of Liu He's burial was most probably in July. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]