Qin Shi Huang, the ruler who unified China in 221 BC, is famous not only for his military conquests but also for the monumental mausoleum he commissioned for his afterlife. The tomb is guarded by the famous Terracotta Army, an underground force of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots. Though these sculptures have been studied extensively, the emperor’s tomb itself remains largely unexplored. The reason for this cautious approach lies in both historical accounts and modern scientific discoveries, which suggest the presence of significant hazards.
Deadly traps and ancient defenses
According to ancient Chinese historian Sima Qian, the tomb was designed with elaborate defenses to protect the emperor’s remains. These included crossbows rigged to shoot at anyone who entered the chamber and rivers of mercury meant to simulate the great waterways of China. While these traps may seem like legends, modern research has confirmed the presence of elevated mercury levels around the site. A study in 2020 measured high concentrations of mercury in the surrounding atmosphere, suggesting that some of these ancient defenses may still pose a real threat.
Mercury was not just a tool for protecting the tomb; it played a central role in Qin Shi Huang’s belief in immortality. The emperor consumed mercury-laced potions in the hope of achieving eternal life, though these likely contributed to his early death at 49 years old. The tomb itself contains large amounts of mercury, estimated at over 100 tons, which was meant to simulate rivers and seas around the emperor’s burial site. Scientists have confirmed that mercury levels in the area remain unusually high, reinforcing the ancient accounts of its use in the tomb’s construction.
The Ongoing Dilemma of Excavation
In addition to the emperor’s tomb, archaeologists have made a significant discovery nearby, a massive coffin weighing around 16 tons, surrounded by treasures like jade, coins, and gold camels. This burial chamber, located about 16 meters underground, has escaped looting, which is a rare occurrence in ancient Chinese tombs.
Some believe this tomb could belong to Prince Gao, a son of Qin Shi Huang who is said to have died young. According to ancient records, Prince Gao chose to die so he could be buried alongside his father in the afterlife. The discovery of this well-preserved burial site raises questions about whether this ancient legend is true, offering a rare glimpse into the life of Qin Shi Huang’s family.
While the tomb of Qin Shi Huang is an extraordinary archaeological treasure, it presents major challenges for scientists and historians. The Terracotta Army, which was uncovered decades ago, has already suffered from exposure to air, causing the colors on the clay soldiers to fade.
Opening the emperor’s tomb could cause irreversible damage to the delicate artifacts inside, further complicating the decision to investigate the site. Archaeologists have proposed using non-invasive methods, such as remote sensing and scanning technology, to explore the tomb without disturbing it, but these techniques are still in the experimental stages. For now, the tomb remains a sealed mystery, its secrets preserved but out of reach.
