Chinese archeologists have unearthed a large third-century tomb. They say it could be that of the legendary politician and general, Cao Cao who was known throughout East Asia for his cunning and deceitful tactics.

The tomb was discovered in Xigaoxue village near the ancient city of Anyang in Henan Province. It has an epitaph and inscriptions that appear to refer to Cao Cao, China’s state-run CCTV reported on Sunday.

The leader of the Anyang Xigaoxue Tomb Archaeological Team, Pan Wenbing says they found armored clothes, swords and spears believed to be once used by Cao Cao.

[Pan Wenbing, Archaeological Team Leader]:
"Cao Cao commonly uses broadswords and short spears for defense. We have found six of them in the tomb.”

The excavation team also found the skull of a man in his 60s—corresponding to Cao Cao's age at his death. The remains of two women were also found in the cave.

The Chinese proverb, "speak of Cao Cao and he appears," is similar to the English saying "speak of the Devil.”

Cao Cao was the final chancellor of the Eastern Han dynasty, who formed his own state during the political turmoil of the Three Kingdoms period. He died in 220 AD in Luoyang, the capital of the Eastern Han dynasty. He was named, after his death, Emperor Wu of the Wei state that he founded.