The Legendary Riches of China’s First Emperor

Buried beneath the artificial mountain of Lishan lies one of history’s greatest archaeological mysteries – the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. According to the “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shiji), this underground palace contains “marvelous artifacts and rare treasures” in astonishing quantities. The scale of wealth interred with the emperor would make any tomb raider’s mouth water.

Historical records suggest that among China’s hundreds of known imperial tombs, almost none remain intact, with the vast majority having been plundered over centuries. Some royal burial mounds show dozens or even hundreds of robbery holes scarring their surfaces – a testament to the relentless pursuit of imperial treasures. Given this context, how could Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, with its legendary riches, have escaped the attention of grave robbers for over two millennia?

The Historical Context of Qin’s Burial

Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BCE) unified China in 221 BCE after centuries of warfare between competing states. His reign marked the transition from the Warring States period to imperial China, establishing systems of government that would last for two millennia. The emperor began constructing his mausoleum shortly after ascending the throne at age 13, employing an estimated 700,000 workers over 38 years to create this monumental resting place.

The tomb complex, covering approximately 56 square kilometers, represents a microcosm of the emperor’s realm. Historical accounts describe rivers of mercury representing China’s waterways, celestial maps on the ceiling, and terracotta armies standing guard. This extravagant burial reflected both the emperor’s power and his obsession with immortality.

Alleged Thefts Throughout History

Historical records present conflicting accounts about whether the tomb was ever successfully looted. The most famous accusation points to Xiang Yu, the rebel leader who overthrew the Qin dynasty.

### The Case Against Xiang Yu

The primary accusation comes from Liu Bang (later Emperor Gaozu of Han), who listed “burning the Qin palaces, digging up the First Emperor’s tomb, and privately appropriating its treasures” as Xiang Yu’s fourth major crime during their conflict. This charge appears in both Sima Qian’s “Records of the Grand Historian” and Ban Gu’s “Book of Han.”

However, several factors cast doubt on this accusation:

1. Political Motivation: As bitter rivals, Liu Bang had every reason to slander Xiang Yu. The charge appears in a list of political accusations during wartime propaganda.

2. Alternative Explanations: Xiang Yu had already looted Qin palaces in Xianyang, acquiring vast wealth. The additional effort and infamy of tomb robbery may have been unnecessary.

3. Absence in Key Records: The “Annals of Xiang Yu” in Shiji details his destruction of Qin palaces but mentions no tomb robbery.

### Other Potential Raiders

Later historical texts mention other possible violations:

1. “Bandits of the East”: Wang Chong’s “Lunheng” claims that during the Qin collapse, “bandits from east of the pass” looted the tomb. This may refer to rebel forces under Zhou Wen who briefly entered the area.

2. Anonymous Thieves: Tang dynasty poets like Bai Juyi referenced the tomb’s violation without specifying perpetrators.

3. The Shepherd Accident: Multiple sources describe a shepherd’s lost sheep falling into the tomb, with his torch accidentally setting fire to the burial chamber. However, the likelihood of such access seems questionable given the tomb’s sophisticated construction.

Archaeological Evidence vs. Historical Claims

Modern archaeological investigations tell a different story from historical accounts:

1. Remote Sensing: Scientific surveys show unusually high mercury concentrations in the mound, matching Sima Qian’s description of mercury rivers. This suggests the burial chamber may remain intact.

2. Terracotta Army: The discovery of thousands of life-sized clay warriors in 1974, located 1.5 km east of the tomb mound, shows the scale of burial goods. Their orderly arrangement implies no large-scale disturbance.

3. Structural Integrity: The tomb’s complex layered structure – with inner and outer walls, drainage systems, and protective barriers – shows no evidence of major breaches.

4. Absence of Artifacts: No objects confirmed as originating from Qin Shi Huang’s tomb appear in later historical collections, suggesting the main chamber was never systematically looted.

The Cultural Legacy of the Unopened Tomb

The enduring mystery of Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum continues to captivate because it represents:

1. Technological Marvel: The tomb’s construction techniques surpassed contemporary capabilities, with precise astronomical alignments and massive scale.

2. Historical Paradox: The emperor who sought eternal life through elixirs achieved a different immortality through his untouched tomb.

3. Archaeological Dilemma: Preservation concerns currently prevent full excavation, leaving historians to debate based on partial evidence.

4. National Symbol: The site has become emblematic of China’s ancient civilization and the continuity of its historical record.

Modern Significance and Ongoing Research

Today, the mausoleum presents both challenges and opportunities:

1. Conservation Challenges: Environmental factors and tourism pressure require careful management of the site.

2. Non-Invasive Technologies: Ground-penetrating radar, 3D modeling, and chemical analysis allow study without disturbing the tomb.

3. Historical Reassessment: Scholars increasingly question traditional accounts of tomb robbery, suggesting they may reflect political narratives rather than historical fact.

4. Cultural Impact: The undiscovered treasures fuel artistic and literary imagination worldwide, from novels to films.

The enduring enigma of Qin Shi Huang’s final resting place continues to remind us how much remains unknown about China’s first unifier, and how archaeological discoveries may yet reshape our understanding of this pivotal historical figure.