China's Mega Tombs: One Of The Biggest Mortuary Complexes On Earth | China's Pyramids

Recent questions

• What are some key features of the ancient Chinese tombs?

  The ancient Chinese tombs in Shanxi province near Xian hold the remains of empresses, generals, lords, and ladies, showcasing the power and wealth of ancient Chinese nobility. These tombs were monumental engineering feats, requiring moving millions of tons of earth to create man-made mountains covering deep burial chambers. The tomb of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi, was a colossal project, necessitating diversion of streams to prevent flooding during construction. The tomb's design included an underground palace with replicas of the Emperor's realm, heavenly constellations on the roof, and an army of clay terracotta warriors, chariots, and horses.

• How were the ancient Chinese tombs constructed?

  The construction of the ancient Chinese tombs involved utilizing rammed earth, a durable material made by compacting layers of soil, bound with sticky rice, and devoid of air pockets to ensure stability. These tombs were monumental engineering feats, requiring moving millions of tons of earth to create man-made mountains covering deep burial chambers. The workers' harsh treatment and high mortality rate contrasted with the respect shown to the terracotta warriors, indicating the brutal reality of building the Emperor's tomb. The tomb's immense size, originally twice as tall and five times larger than its current state, raises questions about its completion, with theories suggesting erosion or abandonment as possible reasons for its reduced size.

• What were the working conditions like for laborers constructing the ancient Chinese tombs?

  The laborers who worked on constructing the ancient Chinese tombs faced intense work conditions, with many perishing during the process. Dead laborers from different backgrounds, including impoverished debtors, criminals, and slaves, were involved in the construction. Citizens, even those of higher social status, had to contribute a year of labor to the tomb, with many working longer. The workers' harsh treatment and high mortality rate contrasted with the respect shown to the terracotta warriors, indicating the brutal reality of building the Emperor's tomb.

• What impact did the construction of the ancient Chinese tombs have on society?

  The construction of the ancient Chinese tombs, particularly the tomb of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi, had a significant impact on society. The tomb's construction was costly, leading to the first emperor's death in 210 BC and subsequent revolts and the end of his dynasty. Powerful aristocrats oversaw tomb construction, leaving their power bases to live in tomb towns near the capital. Tomb towns like An Ling housed thousands who built and maintained imperial tombs, also serving as military outposts. The Han Dynasty succeeded the first emperor, building impressive tombs to defend against threats like the Huns.

• How were the bodies preserved in the ancient Chinese tombs?

  The bodies in the ancient Chinese tombs were preserved using innovative methods by the Han tomb builders. They employed deep burials and layers of protective materials to ensure the bodies were preserved. Han tombs contained luxurious afterlife provisions like palaces, kitchens, and even toilets, ensuring eternal comfort. Measures like loose stones and gravel were employed to deter tomb robbers, with some tombs containing clay armies as protection. The discovery of high mercury concentrations and a large burial chamber hint at the possibility of underground rivers and seas of mercury, supporting ancient tales of the tomb's grandeur.