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'China's deadly mystery': Terracotta guards a tomb sealed for 2,200 years. But what’s inside?

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh

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Sealed Tomb

Qin Shi Huang’s tomb has remained untouched for 2,200 years, guarded by booby traps and toxic mercury.

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Deadly Traps

Ancient records claim the tomb is rigged with crossbows and arrows, set to fire at any intruder.

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Toxic Mystery

Scientists fear highly volatile mercury is leaking through cracks, making excavation extremely dangerous.

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Buried Secrets

Historian Sima Qian wrote that the tomb contains palaces, treasures, and a flowing mercury river.

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Terracotta Guardians

The emperor’s 8,000-strong Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974, still stands watch over his undisturbed tomb.

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Archaeologists’ Dilemma

Experts debate using non-invasive technology to explore the tomb without damaging its fragile interior.

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Mercury River

Ancient texts claim a mechanized river of mercury was built inside, symbolizing China’s great waterways.

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2,200-Year Fear

Scientists are hesitant to open the tomb, fearing its preserved secrets could be lost forever.

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Qin’s Forbidden Chamber

Despite modern advances, no one dares enter the final resting place of China’s first emperor.