The tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has remained a mystery for over 2,200 years. Discovered in 1974 by farmers in Shaanxi province, the site includes a vast underground mausoleum guarded by the iconic Terracotta Army thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses crafted to protect the emperor in the afterlife. Despite extensive exploration of the surrounding area, the central tomb chamber itself has never been opened.
Qin Shi Huang, who ruled from 221 BC to 210 BC, was the first emperor of a unified China. Known for his ambitious projects, including the construction of the Great Wall, his mausoleum is believed to be one of the most elaborate burial sites in history. According to ancient texts, the tomb was designed to reflect his vision of an eternal empire, complete with replicas of rivers and oceans made of mercury.
Archaeologists have refrained from opening the tomb due to the risks it poses. According to IFL Science, three major reasons cited by archaeologists are
According to Sima Qian, the emperor’s tomb contains “palaces and scenic towers for a hundred officials,” as well as treasures and rare artifacts. The historian also noted that the burial chamber was a microcosm of the empire, complete with flowing rivers of liquid mercury representing China’s major waterways.
In 2020, a study confirmed that volatile mercury might be escaping from the tomb through cracks that have developed over time. As a result, archaeologists have considered using non-invasive techniques, such as ground-penetrating radar and other advanced imaging tools, to study the tomb without disturbing it. However, no concrete plan has been finalized.
For now, the burial chamber remains sealed, its secrets hidden for millennia, waiting for the day when technology and preservation methods may finally allow its exploration.
