Archaeologists believe a treasure-filled tomb could unlock the truth behind a 2,000-year-old Chinese legend
Scientists believe they may have unlocked answers to questions about the Qin dynasty.
In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, researchers have unearthed a 16-ton treasure-laden tomb within the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in Xi’an, China. This discovery, remarkably undisturbed by grave robbers for over two millennia, could potentially shed light on a millennia-old legend from the Qin Dynasty.
The tomb, dating back more than 2,000 years, is located within the funerary complex of the Terracotta Warrior excavation site, holds an array of artefacts, including jade, gold and silver camels, weapons, armour, and around 6,000 bronze coins.
Archaeologist Jiang Wenxiao expressed astonishment at the tomb’s pristine state: “Most ancient tombs have been robbed so we didn’t have much hope for the coffin chamber. But it turned out it hadn’t been robbed. We were amazed.”
“The tomb was so precisely built”
This tomb’s location within the expansive network of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, adds to its intrigue. Historical texts recount the tragic tale of Prince Gao, a son of Qin Shi Huang, and scientists may have just moved one step closer to deciphering the truth. Following a brutal power struggle after the emperor’s death, Prince Gao reportedly requested to be buried in his father’s mausoleum.
The newly discovered tomb’s grandeur and proximity to the emperor’s burial site suggest it may indeed be the final resting place of Prince Gao, offering a real connection to this ancient story.
However, Wenxiao is not getting too carried away: “After the first emperor died,” he explained to an English outlet, “his sons all came to a bad end, so I’m still more inclined to believe that this tomb belongs to a high-ranking nobleman or army chief. The tomb was so precisely built. So deep, so large in scale.”
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