Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang

Near the Chinese province of Shaanxi, Lintong County, in the city of Xi'an, is home to the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This tomb, which is situated underneath a 76-meter-high mound fashioned like a truncated pyramid, was constructed over the course of 38 years between 246 and 208 BC.

Construction of the mausoleum began shortly after Emperor Qin rose to the throne in 246 BC. However, it was not until he had defeated six other significant nations and Unified China in 221 BC that full-scale building started. According to the geographer Li Daoyuan, Mount Li was chosen as the location for his burial because of its favorable geology, which has a northern slope rich in gold and jade reserves. The first emperor decided to be buried there because he desired its good reputation.

The well-known Terracotta Army of life-sized Terracotta Warriors, which is used to guard the Emperor against bad spirits in the afterlife, is housed in the tomb. The distinct facial characteristics of each terracotta soldier in the army suggest a high degree of craftsmanship and skill. The generals are the tallest of the figures, whose heights vary depending on their functions. The Terracotta Army reportedly had more than 8,000 troops, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, according to a 2007 estimate.

The tomb has not been extensively excavated in recent years, although the surrounding region has been investigated using a variety of methods. A brick wall used as the wall of the temple was discovered through archaeological investigation and the examination of magnetic anomalies. It was 4 meters high, 460 meters long from north to south, and 390 meters from east to west. A pit with bronze chariots and horses was also discovered, and it is connected to the mausoleum's western route. In 1987, the complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Archaeologists estimated that it would take years to uncover the full tomb complex as they continued their excavations on the site into the twenty-first century.

In sum, the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang:

• near Shaanxi, Lintong County, in the city of Xian.
• was constructed over the course of 38 years and began shortly after Emperor Qin rose to the throne in 246 BC.
• had more than 8,000 troops, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses.
• In 1987, the complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.