The Terracota Army

The Terracotta Army

Xi’An, China. December 2012

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The Terracotta Army

In 1974 a group of farmers were digging a water well 45 km from the city of Xi´An in the province of Shaanxiwhen out of serendipity they discovered what it seemed to be a sculpted head of a human being. Within the next days the discoveries became more common until they reported their finding to the corresponding authorities. What was excavated by luck became to many as one of the most extraordinary archaeological findings of our times.

After several years of archaeological excavation, the archaeologists found three pits of an entire sculpted army. It´s purpose was to guard the tomb of the famous emperor Qin Shi Huang, the leader of the first Chinese empire the Qin Dynasty.

Among the most interesting facts about the Terracotta Army are:

1. Every soldier has a unique face and wears his corresponding uniform according to rank. That means that you will know when you see a General when you see one.
2. To build the army the workers had to come up with a system know today as an assembly line. Henry Ford would have been amazed to see them.
3. The metal weapons that have been found in the site remain shiny new after 2,200 years of being buried under the earth. These guys were incredibly metallurgists.
4. Apart from kneeling soldiers armed with bow and arrows, there are also horses, chariots and cavalry horses. Some of them sculpted by bronze. They are cooler than the pictures.
5. There are many pieces yet to rebuild after more than 30 years of the first discovery. Sadly some of them will never see themselves rebuilt again.

If you have any chance to witness this remarkable evidence of the cultural and craftsmanship level of the first empire of China do not hesitate. It is mind blowing and the place itself, although very touristy for some, provide you with all the comforts you might need to walk around the site and understand the truths behind this discovery. We recommend you to take binoculars with you in order to appreciate the details in the soldiers that are lined-up in the pits.

The Museum of the Terracotta Warrios

The Museum is 45 km from Xi’An in China.

Pitt number 3

Annika and the Warriors

Every Soldier was designed according to rank

After 2,200 years buried underground they still look complete

The Terracotta Warriors are a national treasure

The excavation is still an ongoing project that dates back to 1974.

The metal used to forge the weapons and the sculptures is still shinning

A Chinese tourist guide shows the detail of the Bronze Sculpture

The Horses are impressive

Simple, breathtaking

Chinese are keen to understand their legacy

Everybody is eager to enter the Pits

Pitt num 1

To build the army an assembly line was used to put them all together.

The faces of the warriors are all unique.

Impressive view from Pitt 1

Many of the statues are still in reconstruction

An unforgettable Visit