Archaeological discoveries are always cause for surprise, especially when they can be as enigmatic as the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, an important figure and historical figure who implemented reforms to strengthen the unification of China.
A group of farmers discovered it in 1974, however, it has never been opened. Why? Everything seems to indicate that it is dangerous to explore inside.
They found it in the Chinese province of Shaanxi and what first caught their attention were some fragments of a human figure made of clay; then a series of pits containing thousands of life-size terracotta models of soldiers, acrobats, war horses, and other animals.
Apparently the army protected the mausoleum of the emperor, who ruled between 221 BC and 210 BC. Despite the expectations and interest that the tomb arouses, up to now it has not been opened, as one of the concerns is that the excavation has affected the place.
In fact, there is an ancient text by the historian Sima Qian (145 BC-90 BC), he wrote that the tomb had traps, arrows and other artifacts to prevent intruders from approaching; plus a warning about a flood of liquid mercury should the weapons fail.
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“The tomb was filled with rare artifacts and wonderful treasures. Craftsmen were ordered to make crossbows and arrows ready to shoot anyone who entered the tomb. Mercury was used to simulate the hundred rivers, the Yangtze and the Yellow River, and the great sea, and it began to flow mechanically”, the story indicates.
Even a study published in Scientific Reports a couple of years ago, supports the version of these ancient chronicles, therefore, experts and researchers in the field are waiting to explore beyond the surface of the famous tomb.