Callum Jones
Here's the frightening reason archaeologists will never open the tomb of China's first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
While there have been some incredible finds over the years, the discovery of the burial spot for the first-ever Emperor is certainly up there.
The tomb was constructed over 38 years from 246 to 208 BC, and is modelled on the layout of Xianyang, the capital of the Qin dynasty - now located nearby the capital city of Xi'an.
After initially being discovered by a group workers digging for a well in 1974, many previous expeditions have been successful looking into the find, with hundreds of figures being found in various compartments.
Advert
These Chinese statues are known as the terracotta warriors that form part of the world-renowned Terracotta Army.
This sculpture collection was buried alongside Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife and are thought to depict soldiers as well as non-military people such as officials, strongmen, and musicians.
But why are they found here you may ask?
Well, they were placed in the tomb of the Emperor to protect him during his journey to the afterlife and presumably to keep him entertained, too.
Over the years, archaeologists have explored many of these figures, but the tomb of Qin Shi Huang himself remains completely unopened to this day.
The burial spot, where the Qin dynasty founder was set to rest back in 210 BC, is in the centre of the mausoleum.
However, archaeologists still aren’t 100 percent sure about opening up this part of the tomb and have repeatedly delayed expeditions to the sarcophagus.
Interestingly though, this concern isn’t born out of fear of curses - although there are concerns it could be filled with booby traps.
But experts have a more important reason for not venturing into the tomb.
When first excavating the complex, the previously mentioned Terracotta Army were found painted in rich colours.
However, the sudden change in atmosphere meant that the paint began to peel off and now the statues are completely plain.
Because of this, archaeologists are now hesitant to open the imperial chamber because they believe the change of atmosphere could again hurt whatever is inside.
For this reason, scientists are waiting for the technological advancements necessary to open the tomb without damaging what's inside.
It’s said that with time, the Emperor’s burial spot could be preserved and the potential magnificence wouldn’t have to be lost.
Kristin Romey, a curatorial consultant for the Terracotta Warrior exhibition at New York City’s Discovery Times Square, told Live Science: "The big hill, where the emperor is buried — nobody's been in there.
"Partly it's out of respect for the elders, but they also realise that nobody in the world right now has the technology to properly go in and excavate it.”