Unearthing History In 1974, local farmers in Lintong County near Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, made a groundbreaking discovery while digging a well: the Terracotta Army. Dating back to 246 BCE, this site features the life’s work of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who meticulously prepared for his afterlife.
Emperor Qin mobilised over 700,000 workers to construct a vast underground empire that now includes four main pits. These areas house about 8,000 life-sized soldiers, alongside chariots, horses, and figures of musicians and acrobats, all crafted to offer eternal protection and entertainment. Archaeologists have unearthed approximately 70,000 artefacts, demonstrating an unprecedented level of craftsmanship.
The soldiers, modelled after real-life counterparts and originally painted in vibrant colours to indicate rank, stand in battle formation in three pits. The fourth pit appears unfinished, likely abandoned after the emperor’s death. Over time, the excavation process has exposed the artwork, particularly the painted surfaces, to preservation challenges.
One of the site’s most intriguing aspects remains Emperor Qin’s still-sealed tomb. Historical records by Sima Qian, a Han dynasty historian, describe a lavish burial complex complete with palatial structures and artificial rivers of mercury, reflecting China‘s major waterways. The tomb’s ceiling, adorned with celestial constellations, symbolises the Emperor’s eternal dominion.
Although experts have concerns about opening the tomb and potentially damaging its contents, it continues to captivate scholars and historians. The Terracotta Army not only underscores the Qin Dynasty’s artistic achievements but also continues to fascinate and puzzle the world.
