Key archaeological findings over five decades
4. A large-scale tomb located to the west of the emperor's grave: Since 2013, excavations have taken place on a tomb to the west of the emperor's main grave, as a satellite tomb in the mausoleum complex. For years, archaeologists have excavated tomb passages, a burial room and three chariot burial pits and found a precious four-wheeled carriage, the first of its kind found in China.
The tomb covers an area of 1,900 square meters. It has yielded a large amount of pottery, bronze vessels, jade, iron, gold and silver artifacts. Gold and silver camels found in the burial room are the earliest of their kind ever found in China.
Archaeologists say although the tomb owner remains a mystery, the tomb is currently one of the largest and highest-ranking Qin noble tombs to be discovered and excavated, and one of the best preserved. It may provide valuable information about the burial practices of Qin aristocracy.
