Researchers at Shanghai-based Fudan University have decoded the DNA of Cao Cao, a politician and general from the Three Kingdoms period (AD 220-280).

The work, which was announced recently, will further promote studies of the man and his family, local news website xinmin.cn reported.

In 2009, a large tomb was discovered in a remote village in Anyang, Henan province, which local archeologists claimed belonged to Cao. A hot debate ensued over the tomb's authenticity, and the university team subsequently undertook the DNA study.

For years, experts have been collecting DNA samples from Cao's descendants across the country and making comparisons with the DNA from a skull uncovered in the tomb.

The new results will help solve some of the mysteries surrounding Cao and his family that have puzzled people for long time, experts said.