Experts were surprised to find that the pomegranate tree not only survived but also bore abundant fruit near the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang. Upon bringing the pomegranates back for study, they discovered a high concentration of toxins inside.
According to 163, there is a red pomegranate tree growing in this area surrounding the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang. Not only does this tree survive, but it also blooms and bears fruit exceptionally well, with heavy, juicy, and visually striking pomegranates. However, it is curious that no locals dare to approach it to pick and eat the fruit.
Additionally, this pomegranate tree is quite short. Typically, pomegranate trees in China can reach heights of 3 to 4 meters, or even up to 5 to 7 meters. Yet, the tree here is much more “modest” in stature.
While pomegranate flowers usually bloom in the summer, the pomegranate tree in the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang blooms in winter. This unusual timing is one reason why locals find it strange and are hesitant to consume the off-season fruit.
Heavy pomegranate. (Illustration: Internet).
Researchers aware of this strange phenomenon decided to collect samples from the pomegranate tree for laboratory analysis. The final results astonished them, revealing a significant level of a toxin in this fruit: mercury.
Mercury is a metallic element found naturally in the air, water, and soil. Improper exposure to mercury, even in small amounts, can severely impact health, posing particular risks during fetal development and early childhood.
Mercury poisoning can harm the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, affecting the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes, and even increasing the risk of death.
One of the deadliest compounds is dimethylmercury. Just a few microliters on the skin can lead to rapid death. High exposure to methylmercury resulting in poisoning is known as Minamata disease, which causes severe damage to the central nervous system and endocrine system, as well as affecting the mouth, jaw, and teeth. This toxin is particularly harmful to pregnant women, leading to miscarriages, disabilities, and congenital defects in the fetus.
Inhalation of mercury can cause acute lung disease, with specific symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fever. If the condition worsens, patients may face risks of pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, seizures, and death.
This is why the WHO has listed mercury as one of the ten chemicals or chemical groups that pose the most significant threat to public health.
So, where does the mercury come from?
According to historical records, the tomb of Qin Shi Huang is surrounded by deep trenches filled with mercury. The estimated mercury content here could reach an astonishing 100 tons, a figure confirmed by several archaeologists.
Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the presence of such a large amount of mercury in the tomb.
First, Qin Shi Huang used large quantities of mercury to protect his mausoleum from tomb robbers. Throughout history, many tombs have been plundered ruthlessly, and the tomb of Qin Shi Huang contains numerous rare treasures and significant historical artifacts. Surrounding the tomb with mercury was believed to be a highly effective theft deterrent, as thieves would fear the toxin entering their bodies through inhalation or skin contact, leading to death.
Second, in ancient times, mercury was a highly valuable substance. Before the advent of refining technology, many wealthy nobles viewed mercury as a symbol of wealth. Qin Shi Huang used mercury as burial goods to showcase his opulence.
Third, mercury was used for embalming. Mercury is a potent antibacterial agent and has antioxidant properties. Many ancient corpses were preserved with mercury, which would slow the decomposition of Qin Shi Huang’s body, prolonging the life of the underground palace.
The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang is so mysterious that Chinese scientists are considering using cosmic ray detectors to explore its secrets. (Image: Internet).
Due to the existence of this “river of mercury”, the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang remains one of the few ancient sites still intact, and archaeologists confirm they cannot enter because it is too dangerous.
Thus, the massive mercury content from the tomb may have seeped into the surrounding soil, eventually leading to its presence in the pomegranate tree growing in this area.
According to information provided by 163.com, the mercury concentration found in the pomegranates is extremely high, even exceeding that found in soil samples from the mausoleum.
