Where is terracotta warriors located

As he lay dying in B. The choice undercut the ambitions of a powerful royal counselor, Zhao Gao, who believed he could govern the country behind the scenes if a more malleable successor were installed. To conceal Qin Shi Huangdi's death—and disguise the stench of a decomposing corpse—until the travelers returned to the capital, Zhao Gao took on a cargo of salted fish.

The delaying tactic worked. Once Zhao Gao managed to return to Xianyang, he was able to operate on his home turf. He managed to transfer power to Ying Huhai, a younger, weaker son. Ultimately, however, the scheme failed. Zhao Gao could not maintain order and the country descended into civil war. The Qin dynasty outlived Qin Shi Huangdi by only four years. The second emperor committed suicide; Zhao Gao eventually was killed.

Various rebel forces coalesced into a new dynasty, the Western Han. For archaeologists, one indicator that Qin rule had collapsed suddenly was the extensive damage to the terra cotta army. As order broke down, marauding forces raided the pits where clay soldiers stood guard and plundered their real weapons. Raging fires, possibly set deliberately, followed the ransacking, weakening support pillars for wooden ceilings, which crashed down and smashed the figures.

Some 2, years later, archaeologists discovered charring on the walls of one pit. Throughout recorded Chinese history, the first emperor's Ebang Palace—its site on the Wei River, south of ancient Xianyang, was not investigated until — was synonymous with ostentation.

The structure was said to have been the most lavish dwelling ever constructed, with an upper-floor gallery that could seat 10, and a network of covered walkways that led to distant mountains to the south.

Above it was nothing. His version is more prosaic: "I believe that the first emperor did not want to die. When he was sick, he sent people to find special medicines.

The emperor's tomb lies beneath a forested hill, surrounded by cultivated fields about a half-mile from the museum. Out of reverence for an imperial resting place and concerns about preserving what might be unearthed there, the site has not been excavated. On a sweeping first glance, you might think that the warriors are carbon copies of each other.

Different ranks and roles have different breastplates, hairstyles, and tunics. Some figures stand there like decapitated ghouls, their heads never located. My guide, Leo, pointed out how the facial expressions of each warrior differ: some look solemn, some bellicose, some almost philosophical.

A few seem to be breaking into a sly smile. Their physiques differ, too: some are stolid and barrel-chested, others slim and sinewy. Figures found broken into jigsaw-like fragments must be reassembled piece by piece. You can trust your guide to choose the quietest route for you around the complex.

To that end, it can be a good idea to visit Pit Three before Pit Two. Here, you can get a good look at several immaculately restored generals in all their battle regalia note their more elaborate double-knotted hairstyle, too. A picture on the wall near Pit Three easily missed shows how the warriors were brightly painted until 32 seconds after they were unearthed, when the shades disappeared due to oxidation.

Like Pit Three, Pit Two is located in a large, darkened room. On the southern, northern, and western side there stand one row of figures serving as the army's defense wing. Standing in front of such a grand ancient army array, one would feel the ground shake to the footsteps of the advancing soldiers.

Every figure differs in facial features and expression , clothing, hairstyle, and gestures, providing abundant and detailed artifacts for the study of the military, cultural, and economic history of that period. This vault opened to visitors in It measures about meters long and 62 meters wide and the bottom of the pit varies from 4. Ten earthen walls were built at intervals of 2. Excavated in , Pit 2 stands about 20 meters north to Pit 1. As the highlight of the whole mausoleum, it uncovers the mystery of the ancient army array.

It consists of four units, measuring 94 meters east to west and 84 meters south to north and 5 meters deep. The first unit contains rows of kneeling and standing archers; the second one is a chariot war array; the third unit consists of mixed forces with infantry, chariot and trooper standing in rectangular array; and the last one includes numerous troopers holding weapons. The four units form a rigorous battle array.

Vault Three is the smallest one. There are only 68 terracotta figures, many of which are without heads. It's obvious that Vault Three represents the command post, as all the figures are officials. The two bronze carriages displayed in the hall were discovered 20 meters from the west side of the Tomb of Qin Shihuang in December , and were elaborately restored before exhibition.

The carriages have about 3, parts each and were driven by four horses. The second one is 3. The bronze horses vary from 65 cm to 67 cm high and cm long. Each weighs 1, kg in total. They were mainly made of bronze, but there were 1, pieces of golden and silver ornaments, weighting 7 kg, on each carriage.

The carriages were so well-made, and so vivid, that they boast being the best-preserved and having the highest rank among the earliest known bronze relics in China. These chariots are the biggest pieces of ancient bronzeware ever found in the world. You will find that some terracotta figures are without heads, but their bodies are complete. Studies of their portions have revealed that the heads, arms, and torsos of the figures were created separately and then assembled.

It is believed that most warriors' heads and arms were produced in molds as separate modules. After assembly, clay was applied to the surface of the sculptures so that artists could model the faces and hairdos individually.

Then, the figures were fired in kilns to make the clay hard and durable. Afterwards, they were painted with bright colors. Besides, according to historical records, the Lantian County to the south of Mount Li abounded in jade while the Tongguan County to the north of Mount Li owned a gold mine. As a theist, Qin Shi Huang thought it was auspicious to be surrounded by jade and gold in the afterlife, so he determined to build his mausoleum near Mount Li.

Pit 1 has the most Terracotta Warriors including infantry, cavalry and chariot warriors. Pit 2 mainly exhibits cavalry, infantry, archers, and chariots. Pit 3 houses 68 Terracotta Warriors, four horses, and one chariot. Keep an eye on your local news, maybe one day you can see Terracotta Warriors at your home door. The local farmers were digging a well when they discovered some clay figures by accident.