How Deep Were the Terracotta Army Buried?
The Terracotta Army is one of the most impressive archaeological discoveries of all time. This army of life-sized terracotta figures was buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the 3rd century BC. The figures were meant to protect the emperor in the afterlife.
Depth of the Burial Pits
The Terracotta Army was buried in four main pits, each with its own unique layout and purpose. These pits were not shallow graves; they were substantial excavations designed to house an army for eternity. The figures were interred at a depth of 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters). This depth served several purposes:
- Protection from the elements: The depth helped shield the figures from rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations that could cause damage over time.
- Concealment: The significant depth helped keep the army hidden from looters and grave robbers.
- Symbolic significance: Burying the army deep underground might have held symbolic meaning, representing the transition to the underworld and the emperor's continued reign in the afterlife.
Scale and Size of the Pits
The scale of the burial pits is truly awe-inspiring. To accommodate such a vast army, the pits are enormous. The largest of these pits, Pit 1, is a sight to behold:
- Pit 1's impressive dimensions: This pit alone stretches over 200,000 square feet (18,580 square meters), which is roughly the equivalent of two football fields laid end to end.
- Housing the main force: This massive pit contained the majority of the infantry and chariot units, arranged in battle formation.
The sheer size and depth of the burial pits highlight the immense effort and resources invested in creating a fitting resting place for the emperor and his terracotta guardians.
FAQs
Q: Why were the Terracotta Army figures buried? A: The Terracotta Army was buried to protect and serve the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. They were believed to provide him with an army to command and defend him in the next world.
Q: How many Terracotta Army figures are there? A: It is estimated that there are over 8,000 terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots buried in the three pits. However, many more figures are likely still to be unearthed.
Q: When was the Terracotta Army discovered? A: The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well in Xi'an, China.