Each soldier possesses an unmistakable countenance, with no two faces alike. And who can fathom the number of hidden warriors that may still lie in wait?
In March 1974, while digging a well in a field around 20 miles east of the Chinese city of Xi’an, farmers made a remarkable discovery. They stumbled upon a pit containing 6,000 life-size terra cotta statues. Soon, archaeologists identified the site as the burial place of Emperor Qin, an influential and powerful ruler who played a foundational role in China’s history. Emperor Qin, who lived between 259–210 BCE, not only united the country but also introduced imperial rule that endured for over two millennia.
However, Emperor Qin was also known for his cruelty. He displayed little regard for the lives of the conscripts who were forced to construct his grandiose public works projects, including his burial complex. Historians believe that approximately 700,000 workers labored for nearly three decades on the mausoleum, many of whom perished during its construction. Disturbingly, some were reportedly killed to safeguard the secrecy of the tomb’s location and the treasures buried within.
Excavations commenced promptly following the discovery of the site. In addition to the initially uncovered pit containing 6,000 soldiers, a second pit revealed cavalry and infantry units, while a third pit housed high-ranking officers and chariots. Interestingly, a fourth pit remained empty, implying that the burial pit was left unfinished at the time of the emperor’s demise.
To date, archaeologists have uncovered a vast compound spanning 20 square miles (52 square kilometers). Within this expansive area, they have unearthed around 8,000 terra cotta soldiers, along with numerous horses and chariots. Furthermore, remnants of a palace, offices, stables, and storehouses have been found, including a pyramid mound marking the emperor’s tomb. The life-size terra cotta army stood in military formation near the tomb, serving as guardians to protect the emperor in the afterlife.
It may seem unbelievable, but within this vast and otherworldly army of 8,000 soldiers, each one possesses unique facial features!
Unfortunately, many of these figures fell victim to vandalism shortly after the emperor’s passing, requiring meticulous restoration efforts. However, this restoration process unveiled fascinating details about how the soldiers were created. They were crafted using molds and an early assembly-line-like construction method, which explains why most of their hands are identical. Despite only eight molds being used to shape their heads, distinctive surface features were added with clay after assembly. As a result, every terra cotta soldier exhibits a one-of-a-kind countenance, showcasing an exceptional level of craftsmanship and artistic skill.
Despite the passage of 40 years since its discovery, less than 1 percent of the site has been excavated. Initially, archaeologists had concerns about potential damage to the corpse and artifacts within the tomb. However, practical considerations soon arose.
According to an account by the first-century B.C. Chinese historian Sima Qian, titled “The Grand Scribe’s Records,” streams of mercury, considered an elixir of life at that time, were laid in the floor of Qin’s burial chamber to simulate local rivers flowing through his tomb.
Due to the serious safety hazards associated with excavating mercury, in 2005, a team led by Chinese archaeologist Duan Qingbo tested 4,000 samples from the earthen burial mound for mercury, and all of them returned highly positive results. A laser scan of the compound conducted in 2020 yielded similar findings.
With such historical and scientific evidence at hand, experts continue to debate whether to excavate the tomb at all and, if so, what methods should be employed to best protect the contents inside as well as the individuals working on the excavation.
So for пow, we have to coпteпt oυrselves with the breathtakiпg craftsmaпship aпd artistry of what has already beeп discovered of the secrets of Emperor Qiп’s tomb.
