"Shi Huangdi and the Qin Dynasty are most known for the unification of China under one ruler, and the extraordinary Terra-Cotta Warriors. Shi Huangdi felt that he needed a little protection in the afterlife, so an exact replica of the current army was to be recreated in clay, including horses, chariots, all ranks, and real weapons (Clarke 1). Three additional pits have been excavated since the first one, which was found in 1974 by some Chinese peasants digging a well, probably one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever (Clarke 1). The array of figures is incredibly complex and detailed. Over eight thousand warriors have been uncovered, but that is thought to be only one sixth of the total number of warriors (Clarke 1). The first pit contains six thousand Terra-Cotta Warriors made down to the last detail of Huangdi’s actual army (Kellerhals 1). Each warrior is wearing combat clothing and most are holding weapons. Each rank of the army has a specific uniform, and all uniforms were painted either green or red, colors that have long faded or been washed off (Kellerhals 1). The armor of each warrior was also painted either black or brown (Kellerhals 1). All of the warrior’s heads and hands were removable, showing researchers that these parts of the figures were crafted separately from the bodies and much more personal detail was added (Kellerhals 1). The other pits contained different types of warriors and battle formations. Generals, infantrymen, chariots, horses, archers, and many others are lined up in battle formation in two of the four pits (Clarke 1). The third is thought to be the "headquarters" of the army, and the fourth is empty, quite possibly because Shi Huangdi died (Kellerhals 1) before his 720,000 workers finished the 37-year project (Mysteries-tomb 1). The warriors were not the end of The First Emperor’s elaborate tomb structure. The mausoleum where his coffin is lying is just as impressive and complicated. Even though the Emperor’s tomb has not been excavated yet, researchers believe that the roof is decorated with shining pearls that depict stars, the sun, and the moon (Mysteries-tomb 1). Huangdi’s actual coffin is also thought to be sitting upon a huge relief map of his kingdom, including mercury filled lakes and rivers (Mysteries-tomb 1).
The guides told us that the emperor was considered quite kind and enlightened for his day because previous rulers had left orders for their personal bodyguards to be killed and buried with the ruler. The clay soldiers were considered a great improvement over previous burial customs.
Exciting news.