The tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is a gigantic structure befitting the title of First Emperor, filled with jewellery, luxury goods and completely lined with bronze.
China was unified in 221 BC by Ying Zheng, who proclaimed himself Shihuang-di, meaning "First Emperor". Although he ruled as emperor for only twelve years, his legacy endured in the Chinese state for over two millennia.
Construction of the mausoleum where the emperor was buried began at the very beginning of his reign, near the capital. According to Chinese historian Sima Qian's description of Shihuang-di's tomb, constellations were depicted on the ceilings, and markings were drawn on the floor according to the outline of the empire, with all the details.
Mechanical crossbows were set up for uninvited guests. Candles made from walrus fat, which were known to burn for long periods of time. All the workers involved in the construction were buried so that no one would know the secrets of the tomb.
In 1974, it became known that the tomb was much more magnificent than the first Chinese historian had described. The terracotta army was created to accompany and protect the emperor in the netherworld. The passageways leading to the tomb are guarded by many life-sized soldiers. Cavalry, together with horse-drawn war chariots, cover their flanks. Perhaps further archaeological searches will quadruple the army of terracotta warriors.
The tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is the most grandiose mausoleum complex in the world. The underground city covers an area of about 50 square kilometres and is up to 120 metres deep. In the centre is the emperor's mausoleum, and around it there are more than 500 mausoleums of courtiers. The construction of the tomb lasted more than 40 years, with about 700,000 workers working daily.
Even from the beginning of his reign, Ying Zheng was consumed by the idea of eternal life. His tomb is nothing less than a continuation of his reign even after his death. After construction was completed, all of the emperor's servants and cronies were buried alive - only to continue to serve him in the afterlife.
The reason why the emperor's tomb, despite the impatience of scholars, has not yet been fully excavated is because the historical and cultural value of the structure is too high. Research is being conducted with great care.
