How Big is the Terracotta Army Tomb?
The Terracotta Army is one of the most iconic archaeological discoveries of all time. But just how big is the tomb that houses these ancient warriors?
Dimensions of the Burial Complex
The entire Terracotta Army complex spans a massive area, covering approximately 50 square kilometers (20 square miles). To put that into perspective, that's about the size of 12,000 football fields! However, the majority of this area is still unexcavated.
Within this vast complex, archaeologists have uncovered four main pits containing the Terracotta Army, with Pit 1 being the largest and most impressive.
Inside Pit 1: A Look at the Numbers
Pit 1, the largest of the pits, measures an astounding:
- Length: 230 meters (755 feet) east to west
- Width: 62 meters (203 feet) north to south
It's estimated to contain over 6,000 figures, including:
- Warriors: Arranged in battle formations, these life-sized figures make up the majority of the pit.
- Chariots: Complete with horses and drivers, these chariots would have provided the army with speed and mobility.
- Horses: Hundreds of intricately crafted horses stand alongside the warriors.
The Tomb Chamber: A Final Resting Place
At the heart of this sprawling complex lies the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. While the tomb itself remains unexcavated due to preservation concerns, archaeologists have been able to determine its size based on historical records and geophysical surveys.
The tomb chamber itself is surprisingly modest compared to the scale of the surrounding army:
- Length: 80 meters (262 feet) east to west
- Width: 50 meters (164 feet) north to south
- Height: About 15 meters (49 feet) high
Despite its smaller size, the tomb is believed to contain incredible treasures and artifacts, including:
- A Ceiling Resembling the Cosmos: Decorated to depict the night sky with constellations and celestial bodies.
- A Floor Representing Qin's Empire: Intricately designed to showcase the rivers, mountains, and geography of his vast domain.
- Everlasting Lamps: Fueled by whale oil, these lamps were intended to burn for eternity.
FAQs
Q: Why hasn't the tomb chamber been excavated? A: The Chinese government has chosen to delay excavation due to concerns about preserving the delicate artifacts and paintings inside. Current technology may not be sufficient to safely excavate and conserve these treasures.
Q: Are there other pits besides Pit 1? A: Yes, there are three other pits discovered so far. Pit 2 contains a mixed force of cavalry, infantry, and archers. Pit 3 houses high-ranking officers and command staff. Pit 4 is believed to have been left unfinished.
Q: How were the Terracotta Warriors made? A: The figures were created using a complex process of mold casting and hand-carving. Each warrior is unique, with individual facial features and expressions.