Archaeologists hesitate to unlock the ancient tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, fearing potential deadlytraps. Situated in Xi'an's Lintong District, the mausoleum is protected by the Terracotta Army. Despite some exploration within the necropolis, concerns surrounding its contents prevent the opening of the tomb.
Warning: Deadly Traps, Mercury River Inside Emperor's Tomb
According to Smithsonian Magazine, farmers stumbled upon fragments of a clay figure in March 1974 while digging a well in drought-stricken Shaanxi province, marking the start of one of modern history's most remarkable archaeological discoveries.
This remarkable assembly appears to have been strategically stationed to safeguard the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the formidable first emperor of the Qin dynasty, reigning from 221 to 210 BCE.
Despite significant exploration around the necropolis adjacent to the mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Qin remains unopened, engendering immense intrigue. The tomb's interior has likely remained sealed for over two millennia, preserving the enigmatic legacy of the feared emperor.
The reluctance to open the tomb stems largely from archaeologists' apprehension about potentially damaging the tomb and forfeiting invaluable historical insights, IFL Science reported. At present, the only viable means of entry involves invasive archaeological methods that carry a substantial risk of causing irreparable harm.
Around a century after the emperor's passing, Sima Qian, an ancient Chinese historian, documented the potential existence of traps within the tomb. Craftsmen were directed to fashion crossbows and arrows designed to engage intruders, while also employing mercury to imitate the coursing of several rivers, such as the Yangtze and Yellow River, within the tomb.
While certain scientists question the credibility of these accounts, a study conducted in 2020 discovered notably elevated mercury levels in the vicinity of the tomb, surpassing expected levels.
The study's authors speculate that highly volatile mercury might be gradually leaking through fissures that have formed in the structure over time, lending credence to the historical records describing the tomb's impenetrability.
Worries about mercury are not the sole deterrent to archaeologists delving into the tomb; there are also apprehensions regarding potential damage. Both the terracotta army and Qin Shi Huang's tomb complex hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status and stand as monumental archaeological revelations.
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Qin Shi Huang: China's First Emperor
China's pre-unification history was marked by agricultural growth in the Yellow and Yangtze River Valley, according to National Geographic. The Warring States period saw seven kingdoms vying for dominance in east-central China.
In 221 B.C., the state of Qin, based in the Sichuan plains, emerged triumphant under the leadership of King Zheng, who declared himself Qin Shi Huangdi, the First Qin Emperor (259-210 B.C.).
With resolute determination, he united diverse territories into a single Chinese empire, organizing them into 36 command areas under direct supervision. He relocated influential families to the capital for enhanced control, while implementing measures like confiscating weapons, introducing a new currency, and standardizing measures, including wagon axles to fit road ruts.
He enforced uniformity in Chinese writing and silenced dissent brutally, executing critical scholars and eradicating their works. Citizens were incentivized to report on one another, leading to severe punishments. Formidable armies protected against northern nomads and southern tribes.
Through extensive labor, grand palaces, canals, roads, and walled cities emerged along the Yellow River, laying the foundation for the Great Wall. This transformation highlighted his strong character and visionary pursuit of a unified empire.
Despite being a formidable and ambitious leader who became the first to govern a unified China, historical accounts indicate his misguided pursuit of eternal life that led to an obsession with consuming mercury-laced wine. As per BBC, it is speculated that he may have succumbed to mercury poisoning at the age of 49.
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