Arrows and mercury: the deadly traps of the tomb of the Chinese emperor.

The mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, was discovered back in 1974. It was here that the legendary Terracotta Army was unearthed. However, the 2,200-year-old tomb of the first Chinese emperor remains unopened by archaeologists to this day. Scientists have legitimate concerns about the presence of deadly booby traps within it.

Terracotta Guardians and Hidden Traps

As history tells us, Qin Shi Huang ruled from 221 to 210 B.C. His mausoleum is located in Shaanxi province, in the Lintong district of Xi’an. According to legend, the peace of the deceased emperor is guarded by the Terracotta Army, which consists of approximately 8,000 terracotta sculptures. These warriors are believed to protect the ruler in the afterlife.

Some parts of this extraordinary and extensive archaeological find have been studied. However, archaeologists have never touched the emperor’s tomb itself and have not even attempted to open it.

Researchers are simply wary of what might lie inside. Historical documents, particularly the accounts of the ancient Chinese historian Sima Qian, suggest a high probability of booby traps existing within the tomb. In his writings, it is noted that craftsmen were ordered to create crossbows with arrows that would automatically shoot at anyone daring enough to enter the mausoleum.

The Deadly Mercury Threat in the Ancient Chinese Tomb

Moreover, this document mentions an even greater threat to the lives of those who dare disturb the peace of the deceased ruler. It claims that mercury was used to simulate rivers and seas.

Some scientists consider this assertion too fantastical and dismiss its likelihood. However, a 2020 study found that there is indeed a significantly higher concentration of this toxic substance around the tomb than previously expected.

Researchers note that mercury vapors could escape through cracks that have formed in the tomb over time, compromising its integrity. This study can be seen as confirmation of ancient records. It may also be the primary reason why this ancient Chinese mausoleum has never (as believed) been opened or looted.

As reported by Sciencealert, historical accounts indicate that the first emperor of unified China mistakenly believed mercury to be a means to achieve immortality. This obsession led him to consume it regularly. The ruler often drank wine mixed with this substance and likely died from mercury poisoning.

Researchers are not only concerned about the effects of mercury when opening the tomb. They also believe that it may have significantly damaged the interior of the mausoleum over time.