The Terracotta Warriors

We visited the famous Terracotta Warriors while in Xi'an. They are located about 1.5 km east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. Emperor Qin began work on his mausoleum in 246 BCE, upon ascending the throne at the age of 13. It took 11 years to finish and, in the grand manner of all mighty leaders who also happen to be fabulously rich and powerful, it is full of treasured objects and sacrificial items.

In 1974, some farmers were digging a well nearby the emperor's tomb and stumbled upon some pottery. 30 years later, this massive excavation is still ongoing along with constant restoration work, as the warriors and horses are found in pieces (see below). So far there are three main pits: Pit 1 is the largest and most fully restored (see the picture above; also below left). It contains soldiers and war chariots arrayed in battle formation, forming the main force of this underground terracotta army. Pit 2 is northeast of Pit 1 and is thought to contain a flanking army, while Pit 3, northwest of Pit 1, is thought to be the headquarters or control centre of the entire force.

Yet it is not just the scale of this army that it is impressive - there is an incredible amount of minute detail given to the entire array, from the metal chariot fittings and horse tack to the individuality of each soldier. They are not merely stock types, but contain varying facial features and expressions. You can almost imagine that each and every actual living member of the emperor's army had his image preserved in baked clay in order to serve his leader in the afterlife.

Pit 1: The Terracotta Army








Pit 1: Ongoing restoration work at the rear of the pit








Pit 2: Excavated remains, mostly in pieces from the elements and the wooden roof caving in - this picture almost looks like a battlefield strewn with fallen warriors.

Pit 2: Excavated remains

Pit 3: Restored soldiers in the "Command Centre"