In Qin's time, the ancient Chinese believed that their 'afterlife' was very similar to their life on earth. Consequently, when they died and were buried, objects which would be useful to them in the next life were buried with them. Emperor Qin was no different, he started the building of his own mausoleum, or burial place, in about 246 BCE. More than 700,000 workers and craftsmen took 38 years to complete the huge imperial palace, offices, and halls, all surrounded by a wall. In addition, the emperor ordered an army to be built so that his palace would be protected.