Ancient peach stones unearthed at Makimuku ruins

Archeologists have unearthed more than 2,000 ancient peach stones near a large structure at ruins in the former Japanese capital of Nara.

The structure, which was discovered at the Makimuku ruins last year, dates back to the early 3rd century. Some say it may be the palace of Queen Himiko of the Yamatai Kingdom, whose existence is mentioned in ancient Chinese records.

In July, an excavation found the peach stones in an 80-centimeter-deep hole dug next to the possible palace.

In ancient China, peaches were considered sacred fruit that could bring about eternal youth and ward off evil.

Also unearthed from the hole were earthenware and wooden goods used for rituals.

Local researchers say they are surprised at the number of stones, and that special rites might have been held around the large structure.

The latest discovery is expected to trigger a new dispute over whether the fruit was used by Queen Himiko in her rituals.

The location of the Yamatai Kingdom, either near Kyoto and Nara or Kyushu in southwestern Japan, has long been a matter of dispute in Japan.