Qin structural timbers and the First Emperor’s Mausoleum (Xi’an, China)

Analysis of charred timbers from the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor reveals sophisticated logistical planning and labor organization during the Qin Dynasty. The study identified dark coniferous woods (fir, spruce, hemlock) sourced from rugged terrains, indicating advanced resource mobilization. A temporal shift toward higher-elevation species suggests ecological impacts from large-scale timber harvesting, aligning with historical records of Qin administrative dominance.

Yang, Y., Fuller, D. Q., Bevan, A., Li, X., Shao, W., & Xia, Y. (2025). Qin structural timbers and the First Emperor’s Mausoleum (Xi’an, China). Antiquity, 99(407), 1282–1302. https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2025.10172