Extraordinary Artifacts Within the Tomb

In the 2nd century BC, Shi Huangdi had Mount Li excavated to create a burial chamber filled with treasures. While the tomb has become a significant tourist attraction in Shaanxi province, it remains unopened. Although the existence of remarkable artifacts is acknowledged, there is a prevailing fear that excavating the site could lead to their destruction. Past experiences, such as the opening of Emperor Wanli’s tomb, demonstrated the devastating effects of exposure to air, which caused valuable silks to fade and disintegrate.

Consequently, Chinese authorities have prohibited any excavation of Shi Huangdi’s tomb, despite archaeologists' persistent requests to Beijing, which are met with a firm response:

> “We are not ready yet, we are not in a hurry, let’s leave it for future generations.”

Authorities recognize the challenges involved in securely retrieving the treasures. Although several tunnels leading to the mountain's interior have been discovered, they are insufficient to access the tomb itself.

Even with advanced techniques, entering the tomb would be daunting. As historian Sima Qian noted:

> “Craftsmen were instructed to create crossbows and arrows that would shoot at anyone attempting to tunnel into the burial chamber.”

Additionally, ancient Chinese practices involved coating bronze with a layer of chromates to protect against corrosion, meaning that those daring enough to breach the tomb would require more than just standard protection.

Through ancient texts, non-invasive surveys, and comparisons with other imperial tombs, we can speculate about the treasures buried with the "Lord of Heaven." Geomagnetic studies suggest the presence of a compacted earth structure, resembling a small pyramid, housing another wooden structure with a hollow interior.

> “Since ancient times, no one has been buried in such a luxurious manner as Shi Huangdi,” chronicler Liu Xian remarked in the first century BC.

A Lavish Burial

Similar to the customs of ancient Egypt, it was believed in ancient China that a ruler would require items of comfort in the afterlife. The interior of the burial mound likely conceals intricately adorned silk garments, jewelry, pearls, jade artifacts, furniture, clay models of boats, and imperial chariots. Given Shi Huangdi's passion for music, it is also probable that musical instruments were interred with him, as noted by Li Guo Zhikun at a press conference. The tomb might also include representations of living beings, such as his cherished horses, servants, or concubines.

It is conceivable that instead of clay figures, Shi Huangdi may have had his beloved companions sacrificed to accompany him in death. However, since the Han Dynasty, such practices have diminished, leading to the prevalence of clay figurines in graves. The extent of food offerings in Chinese burials has generally been less than in Egyptian customs, yet items like noodles, wine, and peanuts have occasionally been found.

Current scholarly discussions focus on the preservation of Shi Huangdi’s remains. Historical accounts indicate that he died during a summer inspection trip, causing his body to begin decomposing before it reached the capital. Nonetheless, Guo Zhikun posits that the physicians accompanying him would have employed various methods to inhibit decay. Notably, historical records reveal that the burial site was surrounded by a moat filled with mercury, leading Guo Zhikun to speculate that the First Emperor’s body may have survived in a relatively preserved state.

The Tomb's Secrets Remain Unveiled

The Shi Huangdi Mausoleum encompasses not only a burial mound but also numerous smaller earthen vaults containing items that were not suitable for placement in the palace. Among the most notable discoveries is the Terracotta Army, unearthed in 1974 by a farmer digging a well. Approximately 2,000 nearly two-meter-tall clay soldiers have been excavated, with estimates suggesting there are four times as many yet to be found. These figures do not represent individual soldiers but instead reflect the modular nature of Chinese culture.

The construction of the Terracotta Army was interrupted by the arrival of a rebel army, which looted treasures intended for burial and incinerated surrounding structures. Recently, a cache of 87 stone plates and 43 stone helmets was discovered approximately 200 meters from the mound, indicating that several thousand suits of armor and helmets may still lie buried — one for each terracotta soldier. The craftsmanship involved techniques akin to those used for precious jade, with artisans working tirelessly to create the armor.

The ongoing excavations around the First Emperor's tomb consistently reveal remarkable artifacts, ranging from bronze vessels to animal figures and carts. Not all treasures have yet been uncovered. Recently, the Chinese announced the discovery of a vast palace with outer walls spanning 690 meters by 250 meters, containing 18 external buildings and one central structure. However, details about this find remain scant.

Chinese authorities have been reticent in sharing information regarding the Shi Huangdi Mausoleum's research and future plans. This caution is understandable, given the monumental scale of the burial site, which likely surpasses anything previously encountered in the scientific community.

Shi Huangdi: Architect of a Centralized State

Shi Huangdi aspired to establish an efficiently governed centralized state, eliminating aristocratic power in favor of officials he personally appointed. However, following his death in 210 BC, the aristocracy seized the opportunity presented by a peasant uprising to reclaim their former privileges, leading to the downfall of the Qin dynasty he established.

Marcel Granet describes Shi Huangdi as a determined individual who valued skilled technicians and professionals, exhibiting a methodical approach to governance. He sought to cultivate loyalty to the monarchy through the reverence for the imperial figure, presenting himself as an energetic and resolute leader.

Despite his ambitions, Shi Huangdi was not without adversaries among ancient historians, who often emphasized the brutality of his reign. Such complexities mark the legacy of China's first historical ruler.

The Creation of the Terracotta Army

The assembly of the Terracotta Army was akin to an assembly line process. Craftsmen first prepared the bases, followed by creating individual warrior components — legs, torsos, and arms — using specialized molds. Once assembled, the figures underwent firing and finishing touches, with artisans employing eight molds for heads while personalizing their facial features.

Prepared for Battle

Most of the terracotta warriors were discovered arranged in a battle formation, with generals and officers positioned strategically. The infantry formed the primary force, interspersed with cavalry units, while archers were also represented in the assembly.

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