<P> High levels of mercury were found in the soil of the tomb mound, giving credence to Sima Qian's account . </P> <P> Later historical accounts suggested that the tomb had been looted by Xiang Yu, a contender for the throne after the death of the first emperor . However, there are indications that the tomb may not have been plundered . </P> <P> The Terracotta Army was discovered on 29 March 1974 by farmers digging a water well approximately 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) east of the Qin Emperor's tomb mound at Mount Li (Lishan), a region riddled with underground springs and watercourses . For centuries, occasional reports mentioned pieces of terracotta figures and fragments of the Qin necropolis--roofing tiles, bricks and chunks of masonry . This discovery prompted Chinese archaeologists to investigate, revealing the largest pottery figurine group ever found in China . </P> <P> A museum complex has since been constructed over the area, with the largest pit enclosed within with a large structure . </P>

Where were the entombed terracotta warriors found in china