Unveiling China's First Emperor's Tomb: The Fear of Booby Traps
Archaeologists are hesitant to open the 2,200-year-old tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, due to fears of deadly booby traps. Ancient accounts describe the tomb as filled with mercury and crossbows ready to fire. Recent studies have found higher than expected mercury concentrations around the tomb, supporting the possibility of booby traps. Concerns about damaging the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the significance of the terracotta army also contribute to the hesitation.