It took 720,000 workers and nearly 40 years to build the mausoleum. The last workers and their supervisors were buried alive along with the dead emperor, taking the secret of its construction to their graves. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1987, the mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, better known as the site of the terracotta warriors , is the largest underground tomb in the world, and has kept its secrets safe for over 2,000 years.

 Emperor Qin Shihuang and his mausoleum

Emperor Qin Shihuang

Located at the northern foot of Mt. Lishan in Lintong County, 35 km east of Xi'an, NW. Shaanxi Province , the mausoleum is the largest underground imperial tomb ever discovered. Archeologists began work on it in the early 1960s. The subsequent decades saw the discovery and excavation of burial pits surrounding the center of the mausoleum. Though the splendid necropolis is yet to reveal all its mysteries, it's famous for its incredible size and impressive burial treasures. But who was it built for? Who was warranted this kind of honor?

In the third century BC, China was split into several independent and warring states. Qin Shihuang successfully defeated all rival ducal states and unified China by establishing the first centralized feudal dynasty in 221 BC.

The emperor initiated a series of reforms to consolidate the nascent empire. He standardized the currency, weights and measures, as well as the width of axles and the Chinese scrip; and established the system of prefectures and counties. He also joined several defense walls around the country into the Great Wall in order to fend off invasions from the Huns in the north. All of these accomplishments helped centralize the country. But it is perhaps the creation of his enormous tomb that is the most intriguing of all his feats.

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