The tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unify China, is located in northwest China, 30 kilometers east of Xi’an city. It is part of a huge mausoleum complex covering an area of 60 square kilometers and built by more than 500,000 workers over 38 years. While the famous terracotta statues are just one part of the complex, the central chamber, where the emperor’s tomb is located, has never been opened.
Despite Western historians expressing doubts about the authenticity of Sima Qian’s History, recent archaeological discoveries have confirmed many of his descriptions. For instance, mercury was used to simulate water flow inside a miniaturized version of more than 100 rivers, lakes and sea in the palace within the tomb. Recent studies have shown higher concentrations of mercury in the soil around the tomb compared to the surrounding area, confirming this fact.
Yinglan Zhang who directed excavations at the site from 1998 to 2007 mentioned that beyond imagination artifacts and antiquities were discovered in both central chamber and surrounding tombs. Mercury was commonly used to plate buildings and objects with gold and silver during that time period suggesting a large amount may have been used in the tomb. However, as mercury is toxic it remains sealed awaiting technology that can safely protect and explore its contents without causing any damage.
The significance of this tomb cannot be overstated as it holds immense value for understanding China’s history and culture. This is why it continues to fascinate researchers worldwide who are eagerly studying its contents when technology allows for safe exploration without causing any harm or damage to these priceless historical pieces.
