The Terracotta Army of Warriors is one of the most fascinating historical pieces left in the entire world. Not only is the army life-sized, each warrior statue looks different (hairstyle, facial expression etc.) – much like real-life warriors would have looked centuries ago. This article discusses the intriguing history of the Terracotta Army found in Xi'an.

The Terracotta Warriors are located in the Lintong district about 42 kilometres east of Xi'an. The entire region is full of historical sites, legends and exciting stories from the days of the first Emperor (and his terracotta warriors) to the Opium War period. Check out a few Xi'an apartments before booking a place that provides easy access to the region. You can check with lyf Dayanta Xian to see if they offer advance booking deals. The recommended viewing order is Pit 1, Pit 3 and then Pit 2, to catch detailed glimpses of the Terracotta Army’s fascinating tales. You could either listen to a pre-recorded guide narration or hire one from the museum. If you wish to avoid crowds, go in the low, winter season. Alternatively, you can see the Terracotta Army around noon to avoid busloads of tourists.

There is a tradition amongst Chinese emperors of building their mausoleums during their lifetime to ensure a luxurious, well-protected afterlife. China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang commissioned (in 246 BCE) this vast life-sized army to accompany his journey after death. The army was going to be part of his elaborate mausoleum. Initially, about 700,000 workers were part of creating the Terracotta Army. The work, however, only came to an abrupt end when the Qin Dynasty ended in 206 BC following a peasant rebellion. The Terracotta Army had gone through a lot in the form of floods and damage from the uprising. The sculptures remained forgotten for over 2000 years until a farmer made the famous discovery in 1974.

How did the discovery of the Terracotta Army come about?In late 1974, a Chinese farmer began the laborious task of digging a well. As he dug deeper, he came upon the head of a warrior (life-sized). Once the authorities began proper excavation, they found the first pit and went on to discover Pit 2 and Pit 3 later.

The Army of soldiers stands guard in their military gear and precise formation (especially in Pit 1, the most elaborate pit). There are over 8000 sculptures of infantry soldiers, charioteers leading their horses and archers with their eagle eye stare. The infantry stands right in the front, with the others taking their due position – ready for battle. The other remarkable feature of the army is that each soldier, archer and charioteer possesses individuality. Each statue presents a unique hairstyle; different expressions and even their armour look different. Historians believe that these soldiers were modelled after their flesh-and-blood counterparts from the Emperor’s glory days. The attention to detail pays tribute to the artistic integrity of the sculptors of ancient China.

Historians believe that China’s first emperor’s vast mausoleum conceal mercury rivers to this day. The rivers were designed to stimulate the emperor’s waterways in the afterlife. Hence, authorities have decided to leave the tomb unexplored for the fear of releasing toxic substances to the surface. But, the Terracotta Army itself provides vivid details into the magnificent yet cruel era of Qin Shi Huang’s rule. The first emperor’s legacy, his aspiration for everlasting life, extravagance and power lives on in the lifeless yet lifelike army.