Unopened for centuries: Forbidden tomb of China’s first emperor holds unseen treasures

In a recent article, Daily Galaxy highlights that the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, has remained sealed for over 2,200 years, guarding its treasures and secrets beneath the earth of Shaanxi Province. 

Discovered in 1974 by local farmers, the burial site unveiled a terracotta army of thousands of clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, thought to be intended as guardians for the emperor's journey into the afterlife.

Despite extensive excavations around the site, the central tomb chamber itself remains untouched. Archaeologists have refrained from opening the tomb due to a mix of caution and respect for its sanctity. A 2020 study published in Nature confirmed these concerns, citing both ancient texts and modern science as the basis for the reluctance.

Historical accounts by Sima Qian, written just a century after the emperor’s death, describe numerous booby traps inside the tomb, including crossbows and arrows designed to fire automatically at any intruder. Although these weapons may have deteriorated over time, the risk of active traps remains a significant concern.

One of the most chilling features of the tomb is the reported use of mercury in its design. Ancient records suggest that mercury was used to simulate the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, and even the seas, creating a deadly, liquid environment within the tomb. 

A 2020 study found evidence that mercury may still be leaking from cracks in the tomb’s structure, posing a toxic risk to anyone who attempts to enter. Despite the dangers, no one has looted the tomb, which is believed to contain priceless treasures like gold, jade, and ceremonial objects. The tomb’s deadly protection ensures it remains one of the best-preserved royal burial sites in history, continuing to fascinate archaeologists and historians alike.

By Naila Huseynova