When it comes to the tomb of China's first emperor, archaeologists must exercise caution, yet one explorer reportedly had the 'amazing' honor of coming up close to the renowned Terracotta Army.
One of the most significant archaeological finds ever was the Qin Xi Huang tomb complex, which is well known on a global scale.
A complex city-sized fortress that he had constructed had all he would require for his afterlife, including his very own Terracotta Army, a group of clay soldiers created to guard him after he passed away at the age of 49 in 210 BC.
One chamber of the complex of tombs that houses the emperor's tomb and sarcophagus has remained closed, suggesting that the army is also doing its job.
Although there is no reason for the delay in uncovering the tomb—just plain, old-fashioned science—it is not because of any curses.
The famous Terracotta Army. Credit: National Geographic
The terracotta soldiers weren't the simple ones we are accustomed to seeing now; instead, they were painted in vibrant hues when the complex was first uncovered. The figures' paint, however, started to peel off due to the abrupt shift in the environment, and now the majority of them are entirely bare.
It is therefore feared that opening the imperial chamber would have a similar impact on everything inside.
Another reason is that before opening the chamber, the authorities are awaiting new developments in archaeological research and technology, which they hope will enable us to gather as much knowledge as possible or even preserve the chamber.
National Geographic's Albert Lin meeting the Terracotta Army. Credit: National Geographic
According to curator Kristin Romey of the Terracotta Warrior exhibit at Discovery Times Square in New York City, "Nobody has ever been in there where the emperor is buried.
"They realize that nobody in the world right now has the technology to properly go in and excavate it," says the author, "partly out of respect for the elders."
While specialists must exercise caution when navigating certain regions, one explorer once had the opportunity to interact with the emperor's Army, which he described as a "incredible" experience.
National Geographic's Albert Lin described the Terracotta Army, one of the world's great wonders, in a video posted six years ago. "This is the Terracotta Army, 8,000 warriors buried over 2,000 years ago.
"This is the army of the first emperor. In order to wage his wars in the hereafter, he gave the order to have his actual army replicated in clay and buried with him.
"Each face is distinct and individual. Take a look at this place's size; it reveals a lot about the man, his ego, and his afterlife aspirations."
He continued, taking it all in, "What an experience."
With light infantry in the front, heavy infantry in the middle, and even cavalry at the rear, together with 520 life-size horses, Lin claimed that the warriors he could see were obviously "set for battle - exactly like the emperor's real army."
It's an absolutely fantastic feeling to be here, he continued. standing at a place to which few people actually have access.
We are located in the center of this incredible World Heritage Site, which in many ways represents my own cultural heritage and ancestry.
