Terrifying reason archaeologists will never open the tomb of China’s first Emperor
Archaeologists currently have no plans to open the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, due to some serious concerns. While the tomb itself is one of the most remarkable archaeological finds, the reason it remains closed is somewhat terrifying.
The tomb, which took 38 years to build between 246 and 208 BC, was designed to resemble the capital city of the Qin dynasty, Xianyang, and it’s located near Xi’an, in modern-day China. The tomb was first discovered in 1974 by a group of workers who were digging a well.
Since then, various expeditions have uncovered many fascinating discoveries, including hundreds of terracotta figures. These figures, known as the Terracotta Army, were placed in the tomb to protect the emperor in the afterlife. The figures represent soldiers, as well as officials, strongmen, and musicians, offering a glimpse into the emperor’s world.
Although the Terracotta Army has been extensively studied, the emperor’s actual tomb remains unopened. The tomb is believed to be located at the center of a vast mausoleum, where the emperor was buried around 210 BC. While there has been much interest in opening the tomb, archaeologists have repeatedly postponed any attempts, not out of fear of ancient curses, but because of more practical concerns.
One of the main reasons experts are reluctant to enter the tomb is the potential damage that could be caused by disturbing the delicate environment inside. When the Terracotta Army was first uncovered, the figures were painted with bright colors.
However, once exposed to the air, the colors began to peel off, and today, the statues are completely bare. Archaeologists worry that opening the tomb could have similar effects on whatever remains inside, causing irreversible damage.
As a result, researchers are waiting for advancements in technology that might allow them to explore the tomb without harming it. There’s hope that, with the right tools, they can preserve the tomb’s contents while still uncovering its secrets.
As Kristin Romey, a curatorial consultant for the Terracotta Warrior exhibition, explained, no one has yet developed the technology needed to properly excavate the emperor’s burial site without causing damage. For now, the tomb of China’s first emperor remains undisturbed, and experts are respecting the need for careful preservation.
