Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Despite being discovered in 1974, the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, has never been opened by archaeologists due to concerns over potential dangers and damage.
The emperor, who ruled from 221 BC to 210 BC, is famously guarded by an army of terracotta soldiers and horses, which were discovered in China’s Shaanxi province. These artifacts have been explored, but the tomb itself remains sealed.
According to reports from IFL Science, archaeologists fear that opening the tomb may activate ancient booby traps designed to kill intruders. These include crossbows and arrows allegedly set to fire upon anyone entering.
Ancient Chinese historian Sima Qian, writing 100 years after Qin Shi Huang’s death, detailed that the tomb was filled with treasures and fitted with deadly traps, including crossbows and a system of flowing mercury to simulate rivers and seas.
Even if the crossbows no longer function, experts believe that liquid mercury could pose a significant risk. Over time, mercury may have seeped through cracks in the tomb's structure, creating potential health hazards.
A study published in 2020 found evidence of mercury emissions from the tomb site, aligning with ancient records of mercury being used inside the tomb to represent bodies of water, heightening concerns over the safety of opening it.
To avoid damage and danger, archaeologists are considering non-invasive methods to explore the tomb. These techniques would allow further study without physically entering or disturbing the site, but no final decisions have been made.
For now, Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, one of China’s greatest archaeological mysteries, remains unopened as experts weigh the risks of booby traps and structural damage against the desire for historical discovery.