How large was Qin Shihuangdi’s mausoleum complex?

The mausoleum complex of Qin Shihuangdi, the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, is a massive funerary compound spanning 20 square miles (50 square kilometers).1

Designed to serve as a miniature representation of the universe, the site reflects the emperor's immense power and ambition. The complex includes the emperor's unexcavated tomb—reputedly a vast underground palace—situated beneath a four-sided pyramid mound. Surrounding this are numerous archaeological features, most notably the famous terra-cotta army consisting of approximately 8,000 life-size soldiers and horses positioned to guard the necropolis.21

Other discoveries within the expansive site include subterranean stables, bronze chariots, a zoo for exotic animals, and various burial pits. The construction of this monumental project reportedly required the labor of 700,000 workers over more than 36 years. In 1987, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.1