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Xiahou Yuan
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Tomb of China's First Emperor's ancestors robbed
Police have arrested nine people after the tomb of the ancestors of China's first Emperor was robbed, according to reports.
The tomb, in the northwest city of Xi'an, lies to the east of Emperor Qin's, which is famously guarded by the terracotta warriors Photo: GETTY
By Our Foreign Staff 6:36PM GMT 25 Nov 2010
The police, along with specialists from the Ministry of Public Security and State Administration of Cultural Heritage, opened an investigation last month after a 30-metre-deep tunnel was found to lead into the tomb of the mausoleum of King Zhuangxiang, the father of Emperor Qin, who died in 246BC. The tomb, in the northwest city of Xi'an, lies to the east of Emperor Qin's, which is famously guarded by the terracotta warriors.
Police were alerted after some of the robbers' tools, as well as walkie-talkies, were discovered during at least two patrols. A 70cm by 50cm hole which led to a 36 metre tunnel was subsequently discovered. Upon further examination, using video cameras sent into the tomb, experts found that coffins had been seriously damaged. Some reports suggested that a relic was taken from the tomb.
The arrested group have now reportedly confessed to using dynamite to make the tunnel into the tomb, as well as sophisticated equipment that would allow them to enter the tomb without damaging their health. Grave robbing is a serious crime in China. Experts have suggested thousands may be active in China, attempting to loot potential treasures of the ancient tombs.
