Army of the Terracotta Warriors, Xian, China

Army of the Terracotta Warriors, Xian, China

Tue, 12/08/2009 - 02:57

The Terracotta Warriors are the most famous element of a massive mausoleum complex built at the instruction of Qin Shi Huang the First Emperor of China. You may have also heard of one of his other big construction projects: The Great Wall of China.

It is estimated that there were over 8,000 soldiers, 100 chariots with 400 horses and 300 cavalry horses buried in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army near modern-day Xian in China.

According to one legend, the Terracotta Warriors were once real soldiers, killed and buried with Emperor Qin so that they could defend him from any dangers in the next life.

Irrespective of whether the legend is true, the terracotta warriors form one of the greatest feats of craftsmanship. The construction of the entire complex apparently involved 700,000 workers. Each soldier has individual facial features, expressions, and dress. No two soldiers are alike.

Photo bottom: Wide angle view of the warriors once again standing in formation in their pit 2200 years after completion.

Army of the Terracotta Warriors, Xian, China
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