Despite its historical importance, archaeologists have no plans to open the burial site of China’s first Emperor.
There’s a deeply unsettling reason why archaeologists have never dared to open the tomb of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang—and it’s not what most people would expect.
Among all the amazing archaeological discoveries throughout history, the unearthing of this emperor’s massive burial complex stands as one of the most fascinating and mysterious.
The construction of the tomb took nearly four decades, beginning in 246 BC and finishing around 208 BC. It was built to mirror the structure of Xianyang, the capital city of the Qin dynasty, which today lies near modern-day Xi’an.
The site first came to light in 1974, when a group of farmers were digging a well and stumbled across one of the greatest finds in Chinese history. Since then, multiple excavation efforts have been launched, uncovering hundreds of clay figures spread across different chambers.
These statues, now famously known as the Terracotta Warriors, form part of the legendary Terracotta Army that has stunned the world with its scale and detail.
This extraordinary collection was buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang as a form of protection in the afterlife. The figures represent not only soldiers but also civilians like officials, entertainers, and strongmen, giving us a glimpse into the complex world he left behind.
The Terracotta Army was first discovered in 1974
Luis Martinez/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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You might be wondering—why are these lifelike sculptures even here?
Well, they weren’t just symbolic. These warriors were carefully placed in the emperor’s tomb to act as protectors during his journey through the afterlife, and possibly to provide some company along the way.
While researchers have examined many of these incredible statues over the years, the core of the tomb—where Qin Shi Huang himself is buried—has remained completely untouched to this day.
The central burial chamber, believed to house the remains of the first emperor of unified China, lies at the heart of the massive mausoleum complex.
Despite decades of research and growing curiosity, archaeologists still hesitate to open it. Several planned excavations have been delayed again and again as experts weigh the risks involved.
And interestingly, this hesitation doesn’t come from fear of ancient curses—though legends of booby traps certainly add to the mystery.
In fact, the main reason experts won’t explore the inner tomb is something far more practical—and perhaps even more important.