Ancient Mystery Unveiled: Scientists Recreate the Eternal Flame of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Tomb, Revealing Chemical Secrets

Researchers in the United States have conducted over 700 experiments to unravel the mystery of the 'eternal lamps' that were supposedly lit in the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, more than 2,000 years ago. According to legend, these lamps burned perpetually. Similar phenomena have been noted in Egypt and in 140 AD, a lamp that burned for over two millennia was discovered in a Roman tomb. The 'eternal lamp' in Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum allegedly consisted of a two-layer vessel, with the inner part filled with a combustible substance and the outer part with water for cooling. Scientists suggest the lamp's wick contained white phosphorus, which is prone to spontaneous ignition under elevated humidity and temperature.