Terrifying reasons scientists are too scared to open tomb of China's first emperor

There are a few terrifying reasons as to why scientists are too scared to open up the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.

Situated in the Shaanxi Province of China, the burial site of Qin Shi Huang and its famous Terracotta Army was completed after he ascended the throne in 208 BCE and creating a unified China - however, the site was later lost to history until 1974 by local farmers.

One of the most influential figures on Chinese history, Qin Shi Huang was responsible for creating the country's most recognised landmark, the Great Wall of China, as well as implementing a standardised writing system and creating roads across the vast country to improve transportation.

However, his mausoleum and a tremendous Terracotta Army remain one of his most mysterious creations - with an estimated 6,000 statues still underground in one of the three burial pits, according to the National Museums Liverpool.

The impressive Terracotta Army in Shaanxi, China (Getty Stock Images)

Following the 1974 discovery archeologists began to excavate the site and were amazed by their findings.

In three separate pits stood an estimated 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, believed to be modelled off of the emperor's real life army of the time.

Various non-combat figures have also been uncovered at the sight, including artists, acrobats and musicians. The statues would also have been painted with bright colours at the time, although most of this has since been lost to the elements.

Why was the Terracotta Army and mausoleum constructed?

While the tomb of Qin Shi Huang and its surrounding army might seem a little over the top for modern times, the simple answer is well, why not?

As the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang would have wanted his legacy to be remembered long after his demise, hence the reason for building such as a grandiose final resting place. It's also believed the Terracotta Army was built with the purpose of protecting him in the afterlife.

After all, you don't conquer six warring states without making at least one enemy.

Faded colour details seen on soldiers in the Terracotta Army (Getty Stock Images)

Why is the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang unopened?

Considering the splendour of the Terracotta Army, you'd think that archaeologists would be racing to break open the tomb and discover what further wonders are inside - which makes their hesitance to enter all the more interesting.

This is partially down to practical reasons, with archaeologists not wanting to cause any damage to the structure as a whole.

There is also the fact that the tomb is said to contain various booby-traps laid throughout for protection, with no one wanting to find themselves on the receiving end of a 2,234-year-old trap.

According to a 2020 study, the tomb also contains high levels of mercury due to the emperor's supposed obsession with the substance, which he believed would grant him eternal life. Thus, anyone entering the tomb is also at risk of possible health complications.

So until a more delicate and advanced method of excavating the tomb can be found, the tomb of Qin Shi Huang will remain one of history's greatest mysteries.