There is so much fear, uncertainty and skepticism about the opening of the tomb of China’s first absolute ruler, Emperor Quing Shi Huang and for good reasons but the fear of curses or demons as are portrayed in popular myths, folklores and movies.
The tomb is located at Lishan Mountain, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, and it is the burial site of the first unifier of the Chinese empire during the 3rd century BCE. The tomb, according to archeologist’s and anthropologist’s speculations also hold various artefacts, ancient writings, palace models and pavilions and other secrets.
It also has a sprawling array of terracotta warriors, horses, wooden battle chariots and numerous weapons that was obviously meant to protect the tomb and the emperor in the afterlife.
Archaeologists and anthropologists are concerned about not having the necessary technology to preserve the tomb and it’s many artefacts. It should be of note that the artefacts in the tomb have not been exposed to the air for many years and would be fairly preserved in their originality.
The Terracotta Warriors for instance, were originally coated with bright paints and pigments which are still evident on few of the statues. Once these precious artefacts gets disturbed, transfered or comes in contact with oxygen, they begin to fade in color and lose their various originality.
This is what the fear is, and only when there is enough advancement in technology, excavation techniques and preservation of artefacts, to the level such that the artefacts can be carefully exhumed and guarded against their degradation will the tomb be opened. For now, it remains sealed.
