Archaelogists found ruins of a massive palace near the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang in the city of Xi'an.
The new discovery was found where the famous terracotta soldiers were also discovered. The life-size warriors were found by a peasant who was digging a well in 1974. Now archaeologists have discovered a palace which is "the largest complex ever found at the cemetery," says the Bankok Post.
The large palace remains measure 2,300 by 820 feet, which is almost a quarter of the size of the Forbidden City in Beijing, according to the Bankok Post. The Forbidden city is near the heart of Beijing and served as a palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties from the 14th to the early 20th century.
Sun Weigang, a researcher with the Shaanxi provincial institute of archaeology believes that the palace remains could give more information about the architectural techniques of the Qin Dynasty, reports Russia Today.
Qin Shihuang was a ruler during the Qin dynasty from 221-207 BC. He ruled during China's unification and declared himself to be the first emperor. His resting place has been a treasure trove for archaeologists who continue to discover more and more remains. Earlier this year a hundred more terracotta warriors were found along with weapons, tools and other pottery.
Evidence shows that Qin Shihuang planned development of his cemetery shortly after he became a ruler. Looking at what was found in the tomb, it was clear that he wanted to continue his imperial life even after his death. For instance, he had the soldiers built in the hopes that they would follow him to the afterlife.
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