Top 10 Terracotta Army Facts You Need to Know

The Terracotta Army, also known as Terracotta Warriors, is one the most fascinating archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It is a must-visit place for travelers. Below is a list of the top ten Terracotta Army facts you need to know.

1. The Terracotta Army was discovered by local farmers in 1974 at Xian, in China, when they were digging a well.

2. The Terracotta Army was made to guard the mausoleum of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, who lived more than 2200 years ago.

3. The Terracotta Army is part of Qin Shi Huang’s tomb; it is located about 1.5 kilometers east of the Emperor QinShihuang’s mausoleum.

4. According to great ancient historian Sima Qian, who wrote in early Han dynasty, the tomb contains numerous treasures and wondrous objects, including flowing rivers of pure mercury.

5. Buried in three pits, to date nearly 8000 terracotta figures have been recovered.

6. All life-sized clay soldiers were created individually by hand and each face has unique facial expressions.

7. The terra-cotta warriors are in battle formation and include cavalry, infantry and charioteers.

8. The Terracotta Army figures were manufactured in local workshops. Heads, arms, legs, and torsos were all created separately and then assembled.

9. According to historian Sima Qian construction on the Terracotta Army and mausoleum began after Emperor Qin ascended the throne in 246 BC when he was still aged 13

10. Most of the workmen who were still working on the tomb when the Emperor died were buried alive with him to serve him in the afterlife.