There is an old saying, “What goes around comes around,” so do grave robbers truly bring upon themselves the consequences of their wicked actions?
Ancient Chinese believed that grave robbing is a profoundly disrespectful act towards the deceased. As a result, grave robbers were thought to have short lives due to their immoral deeds. Is this really the case?
Archaeologists have provided answers to this question. Indeed, the profession of grave robbing is highly unethical; however, this is not the direct reason affecting the lifespan of these individuals. The main reasons lie in the following factors.
1. Toxic Gases Beneath the Tombs
Tombs always harbor dangers from the creatures below the surface. Additionally, there are numerous harmful substances found within tombs, such as cinnabar (a naturally occurring mineral containing mercury that is red in color). After thousands of years, this mineral can transform and release toxic gases.
Ancient tombs contain many toxic gases accumulated over the centuries. (Image: Baidu)
In addition to the naturally occurring toxic gases, the hidden chambers of ancient tombs also pose dangers from the very burial items that grave robbers seek—grave goods. Countless burial items, although extremely valuable, can also generate harmful gases due to being buried for too long.
These toxins can cause immediate harm and may also have long-lasting effects on human health. Some grave robbers have even lived, eaten, and slept at their work sites, as the scale of certain hidden chambers can be quite large, requiring them to spend significant time “looting.” Therefore, the consequences of spending too long in such toxic environments are quite clear.
2. Deadly Trap Systems
Many wealthy individuals in ancient times constructed their own mausoleums and designed trap systems within their “final resting places” to prevent grave robbers from intruding.
The “traps” used to deter grave robbers included mercury and quicksand-style traps (which appear walkable on the surface, but once stepped on, one would sink into deep pits of sand and stone).
Grave robbers face numerous dangers while carrying out their activities. (Image: Baidu)
Especially concerning mercury, it is a highly toxic substance that is also volatile. Entering areas with high concentrations of this substance is essentially a death sentence.
A prime example of a mercury trap system that terrifies grave robbers is the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. It is certain that the tomb of this Qin Dynasty emperor contains many extremely valuable burial items, but with the system of mercury rivers and countless other traps within the tomb, grave robbers, no matter how tempted, would not dare to enter.
3. Psychological Effects on Grave Robbers
The profession of grave robbing is unethical and illegal. Therefore, grave robbers typically operate at night to ensure their actions go undetected.
However, this nocturnal lifestyle has severely negative effects on the health of these individuals. The disruption of their daily and nightly routines over an extended period leads to significant harm to their bodies.
The key factor affecting the health and lifespan of grave robbers is their constant state of anxiety. The primary reason is that the profession of grave robbing carries a very high risk of being caught.
Grave robbers always operate at night. (Illustrative image: Baidu)
If caught, they face imprisonment or even execution. Consequently, there are certain unwritten rules within the grave robbing community to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
Given the myriad dangers associated with this profession, it is understandable that most grave robbers struggle to live long lives. It could also be said that this is a frightening consequence that they must bear for their immoral actions.
- The Mysterious Ancient Tomb Legend and the Most Ruthless Grave Robber in History
- The Notorious Grave Robber: Daring to Open the Coffin of Empress Dowager Cixi, Raiding the Tomb of Emperor Qianlong
- Grave Robbers Flee at the Sound of a Rooster or When a Candle Goes Out: Afraid of Meeting Their Nemesis!
