Culture

China plans new terracotta army dig

by Barbara McPherson | June 10, 2009 at 01:30 pm

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Chinese archeologists are planning further digs around the site of the world famous terracotta warriors. These statues were produced in fired clay over 2 000 years ago to serve the emperor in his afterlife. Each warrior is depicted in full body armour and was equipped with weapons which have disappeared over the millenea. It is speculated that the figures represent real life people as each soldier has an individual face.

The important site was discovered accidently in 1974 when workers were digging a well.

Chinese archaeologists are set to begin a fresh round of excavations at the site of the ancient terracotta warriors, hoping to uncover more secrets of China's first emperor.

The warriors were produced more than 2,200 years ago to guard the tomb of Qin Shihuang, the first ruler of a united China.

While thousands of clay figures have been unearthed, many more are expected to be unearthed in this new round of excavating.
Perhaps even more stunning than the many human figures unearthed are the life sized horses and accompanying war chariots.
The museum is located close to the ancient city of Xian in the People's Republic of China. The soldiers have been left in place and the museum has been built around the cohorts.

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Amy Judd

at 14:28 on June 10th, 2009

I went to the exhibit at the British Museum and they had a part at the end that talked about how the rest of the site was really difficult to dig out as there were high concentrations of mercury in the soil when they did tests. They think that it came from the fact that Qin Shi Huang replicated rivers out of mercury for his underground city, and that is why if the excavate they could relase high levels of toxic mercury.

A. Tran

at 14:55 on June 10th, 2009

Thank you, Barbara, for the update on the latest terracotta army dig.

djermano

at 15:59 on June 10th, 2009

This is a vivid example of how unique and awesome China really is. The society has remained intact for centuries...

Rev. Jermano

kate

at 17:07 on June 10th, 2009

Rivers of mercury in an artwork. That's so out there.

dreambox

at 18:58 on June 10th, 2009

China is prospected-to other two-thirds of Terra Cotta Warriors, be worth to expect. - From Dreambox

Uwe Paschen

at 19:18 on June 10th, 2009

This would help shed more light on this era of Chinas History wish was fascinating.

Uwe Paschen

at 19:18 on June 10th, 2009

This would help shed more light on this era of Chinas History wish was fascinating.

Barbara McPherson

at 08:17 on June 11th, 2009

Here is one time that I can wholeheartedly agree with Rev Djermano. The area that is modern day China is absolutely fascinating and has a magnificent history. The city of Xian rivaled Rome for size and civilization. Marco Polo wrote about it and was not believed. When I was there in 1992, some of the city walls were still intact and they were awesome. Much larger and higher than anything I had seen in Europe. That burial mound that Queenshart spoke about is a small mountain in the midst of a plain -- many, many steps to the top. Thanks to all of you for your comments.