A Day In: Xian with the Terracotta Army
In 1974, local farmers in the northeast of Xi’an discovered pottery fragments and some bronzed weapons while digging wells in the search for water. In process, these farmers accidently discovered the tomb of Shi Huangdi – the first emperor of China and the founder of the Qin Dynasty.
Over 700,000 workers were ordered by the Emperor, to build him a massive terracotta army to accompany him into the afterlife as protection. Officials, craftsmen and workers alike died of dehydration, exhaustion or were killed and then buried alive to keep these tombs a secret. Peasant revolts and the rise of Shi Huangdi’s successor left the massive terracotta army incomplete and parts of it destroyed in the uprising. What was left amongst the broken clay chariots, animals and soldiers, was the debris of armor and weapons left over by warriors opposing the revolt.
My visit to Shi Huangdi’s monumental mausoleum was like taking a step back in time. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I stepped into the first pit; it was about 250 yards wide- the size of two football fields put together! Rows and rows of clay soldiers stood in battle formation- their faces so vivid and real- contorted into faces of war. It was surreal and eerie and fascinating all at the same time..
It is estimated that more than 6,000 members of Shi Huangdi’s terracotta army have yet to be unearthed, and that’s just in the pit I stood in!
I was so taken with the impressive detail put into the creation of this army; their life-size, life-like proportions and expressions. The care and expertise of the archaeologists who were able to piece back together 1,800 shattered pieces of broken clay animals, chariots and warriors.
The First Emperor’s Terracotta Army is an absolute sight to behold- and perfect for history buffs like me who love to travel! Definitely a MUST on your Bucketlist!
Have any of you ever seen the Terracotta Warriors of China’s First Emperor? Share your stories and photos with me! #ADayIn#TerracottaArmy #Xian #China
A Day In 