A World-Renowned Discovery: The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

Mausoleums are timeless guardians of history, preserving the legacies of individuals and families throughout the ages. They act as final resting places and enduring symbols of love and respect, especially when honoring influential historical figures. 

The care and craftsmanship poured into every detail demonstrate the desire to honor the deceased with a sanctuary that lasts for hundreds and even thousands of years.

The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor with its terracotta warriors exemplifies this tradition magnificently. Constructed to eternalize the life and achievements of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, this wondrous archeological site encourages us to think about how we might wish to memorialize our loved ones and tell their stories through the ages.

The History of the First Qin Emperor’s Mausoleum

The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is a remarkable historical record of China’s first unifying emperor, Qin Shi Huang. He made history when he first unified China in 221 BCE, marking the beginning imperial era of the Qin Dynasty, which would last over 2,000 years.

First Emperor Qin Shi Huang laid the foundation for a unified Chinese identity and statecraft by consolidating the warring states into one single empire under central rule. This empire became known as the Qin Dynasty. 

First Emperor Qin Shi Huang made revolutionary reforms in politics, economy, and culture—including standardizing weights, measures, and even the writing systems—that facilitated trade and communication across vast distances and helped bind the diverse regions of China into one cohesive entity. 

First Emperor Qin Shi Huang further influenced the nation’s structure by establishing a centralized bureaucracy and constructing monumental projects like the first version of the Great Wall, crafting an enduring legacy that remains today.

A Closer Look at The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

Construction of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum began in 246 BCE shortly after Qin Shi Huang ascended to the throne at age 13, and continued for 38 years until the emperor’s death in 210 BCE. It remained untouched until 1974 when local farmers stumbled upon terracotta fragments while digging a well, leading to one of the most significant archeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Terracotta Army.

This vast army of life-sized clay soldiers, chariots, and horses was crafted to guard First Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife and found in three main pits east of the tomb mound.

However, this led to an even larger discovery of a massive, complex underground construction: The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. This massive mausoleum complex was designed to serve as First Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s imperial palace in the afterlife. 

The entire complex covers an enormous area with an underground palace surrounded by a city-like structure, estimated to be roughly 22 square miles. It extends over a large cemetery that includes the central tomb mound, which is about 249 feet high and 1,1148 feet in diameter alone.

The surrounding area features numerous pits, including those containing the famous terracotta warriors, and other burial sites and structures that create an elaborate underground network meticulously designed to mirror the urban plan of the capital of the Qin Dynasty, Xianyang. 

To this day, First Emperor Qin’s main burial chamber remains sealed, with speculations about its contents fueled by historical records describing mercury rivers and a map of heavenly constellations. 

Notable Sights in the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

Excavations and research of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum are still ongoing, allowing the world to learn more about this monumental site and the Emperor’s indelible mark on Chinese history. Archeologists have discovered several rare artifacts of great historical interest at this wondrous archeological site, with more coming to light each year.

1. Tumulus and Burial Chamber

Once you get past the two above-ground walls that form the outer wall of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, you can find the still-covered central tumulus atop the First Emperor’s tomb chamber. While archeologists still haven’t excavated the tomb, they have used surveying equipment to discover that it’s surrounded by subterranean walls of tamped earth and brick to protect it from flooding.

2. The Army Pits (Pits No. 1 – 3)

Located about 0.75 miles away from the tumulus are the three pits known as the Army Pits. These pits hold China’s Terracotta Army, which contains thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors accompanied by terracotta horses and wooden chariots. Each ceramic figure has unique hairstyles, armor, and headdresses to differentiate rank and roles such as:

• Infantrymen
• Archers
• Charioteers

3. Bronze Chariot Pit

Another important find within the complex is a 50-meter-long pit with two bronze chariots. These two half-sized chariots represent two different types of wooden chariots faithfully, giving an accurate look into transportation during First Emperor Qin’s reign. 

The first chariot is an open chariot with a canopy pulled by four houses and manned by a man equipped with a crossbow. The second chariot has a closed compartment with a sloping roof and windows, driven by a kneeling man. 

4. Pit 0006

In this pit, twelve terracotta figures are dressed in long coats and unique headgear that identify them as officials. They represent the bureaucracy formed by First Emperor Qin that ran the Empire under the new unified structure.

5. Pits with Stables and Animals

One large pit contains hundreds of sacrificed horses that may have belonged to imperial stables. It was common practice to sacrifice horses for the burial of elites in China, and the vast amount of horses showed First Emperor Qin’s esteemed position in the nation.

Other surrounding pits also contained smaller animals in ceramic caskets, including exotic breeds of birds and deer. These animals may have been from the Emperor’s zoo and were guarded by ceramic grooms and attendants.

6. Pit K9801

This pit contains 87 sets of lamellar armor, each made out of 80 small yet heavy stone plates connected with bronze wire. They also included helmets made with the same method, possibly to ward off evil spirits and ghosts from the First Emperor in the afterlife.

7. Surrounding Burial Pits

Archaeologists found many other tombs in burial pits both inside and outside the burial tomb precinct. The tombs inside the precinct may belong to the First Emperor’s concubines and close relatives, while the hundreds of tombs in the current-day Zhaobeihu Village contain the remains of laborers and prisoners forced to build the emperor’s tomb during the Qin Dynasty.

Memorializing Your Life with Dignity

The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor invites us to reflect on our own legacies. Its complex design and the guardianship of the terracotta warriors signify the powerful desire to be remembered even after death. As we explore this wonderful treasure, we’re reminded of the deep significance of memorializing those who have shaped our past, thereby influencing how we shape our future.

Are you inspired to create a lasting tribute that embodies the essence of your legacy or that of your loved ones? Eternal Mausoleums is here to help. We specialize in designing and crafting custom-built private mausoleums with the finest materials and craftsmanship to create a fitting tribute for you or your loved one. Request a consultation to see how we can help you plan for and create a personal monument that stands the test of time.