Archaeologists find Xi'an’s Epang Palace was never finished and wasn’t burned, debunking a long-held legend.

Archaeological work at Xi'an’s Epang Palace site reveals the legendary palace was never completed and wasn’t burned as long believed. Evidence shows it was built on a drained lakebed with rammed earth foundations and pottery fragments, indicating careful planning. The findings, led by archaeologist Liu Rui, challenge the poetic tale of imperial excess and destruction by warlord Xiang Yu, offering a more accurate view of Qin Dynasty construction and historical memory.