The Terracotta Army: A Life-Size Guardian for the Afterlife

Emperor Qin Shi Huang, also known as the First Emperor of China, ruled from 221 to 210 BCE. He was a man with grand ambitions and an even greater desire for immortality. One of his most famous legacies is the life-size terracotta army that stands guard in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. This collection of over 8,000 life-sized soldiers was created to protect him in the afterlife.

A Palace Fit for an Immortal

Qin Shi Huang's palace at Xianyang was said to be one of the most magnificent structures in ancient China. It covered an area larger than modern-day Beijing's Forbidden City and had beautiful gardens and palaces made entirely out of wood and gold. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fires during his reign due to poor construction techniques.

The Quest for Elixir

Qin Shi Huang believed he could achieve immortality through alchemy and experimented with various elixirs containing mercury which proved fatal to him when he consumed them.

Mercury Poisoning: The Price Paid for Immortality

In his quest for immortality, Qin Shi Huang ordered mass production of a supposed elixir that contained mercury - a highly toxic substance known today as quicksilver or hydrargyrum - believing it would grant him eternal life but ultimately led to his demise instead.

Legends Beyond His Grave

According to legend, after death Qin continued seeking immortality through necromancy by sending officials on expeditions across Asia searching for magical plants and minerals required by Taoist alchemists who promised they could transform ordinary men into gods if only they were able find these substances while still alive.

Despite having amassed vast wealth during his rule including tens-of-thousands-of-kilograms-of-gold-and-jade-in-the-palace-and-treasures-guarded-by-his-Terracotta-Army-Qin-Shi-Huang-died-a-premature-death-at-age-49-with-no-successful-heir-to-succeed-him-leaving-behind-an-empty-throne-but-a-lasting-imprint-on-Chinese-history-and-culture