The Terracotta Army Pit 1

Booking Tickets for the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is a popular tourist destination, so it's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season. You can purchase tickets online or through your hotel or travel agency.

The Terracotta Army Pit 1

The Terracotta Army Pit 1 is the largest of the three pits containing the Terracotta Army, a vast collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Located near the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi province, China, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

The pit was discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well and has since been excavated to reveal thousands of life-sized terracotta figures, including warriors, horses, chariots, and weapons. The figures are arranged in battle formations, providing a glimpse into the military might of the Qin dynasty.

The Discovery and Excavation of the Terracotta Army Pit 1

In the spring of 1974, villagers stumbled upon fragments of terracotta figures and bronze weapons while digging a well approximately 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb mound. This chance discovery marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable archaeological finds in human history. Following this finding, archaeologists were brought in, and the first excavation project commenced in 1974. After more than two thousand years buried underground, the terracotta figures were severely damaged. Following the careful excavation of Pit 1, a 16,000-square-meter arched hall was constructed above the pit for protection in 1976. On October 1, 1979, the Terracotta Army Pit 1 was officially opened to the public, showcasing the awe-inspiring sight of the ancient army to the world.

What Does the Terracotta Army Pit 1 Look Like?

The Terracotta Army Pit 1 is an enormous underground vault covering an area of 14,260 square meters. It measures about 230 meters long, 62 meters wide, and 4.5 to 6.5 meters deep. There are five sloping, earthen ramps on both the east and west sides for access. Two side doors were built on the north and south walls of the pit. The pit is rectangular in shape, resembling the layout of the imperial army headquarters, and contains rows upon rows of terracotta soldiers, chariots, and horses arranged in battle formations. The sheer scale and detail of the pit are awe-inspiring, offering a glimpse into the military might and ambition of the Qin dynasty. To prevent collapse, partition walls were built every 3 meters. The walls were built with wooden pillars, mud, and reed mats, while the floor was paved with gray bricks. Interestingly, some of the bricks are orange-red, decorated with string patterns on the upper part and inscribed with characters on the lower part.

Archaeologists discovered traces of burnt black charcoal inside Pit 1, suggesting a massive fire that may have caused the pit to collapse and damaged many of the figures. Experts believe that Xiang Yu, a rebel leader who overthrew the Qin dynasty, might have set the fire.

Why Are There Partition Walls in the Terracotta Army Pit?

The partition walls served two primary purposes. First, they acted as structural supports for the pit's roof. Constructed with wooden beams and layers of reed mats and earth, the walls helped distribute the weight of the ceiling, preventing collapse and protecting the terracotta army within. Second, the walls played a role in the organization and strategic layout of the terracotta army. By dividing the vast space into a series of corridors or lanes, the walls created the effect of separate military units or divisions. This division is thought to reflect the actual organization of the Qin army, where different units had specialized roles and formations on the battlefield.

How Were the Terracotta Warriors Burned and Ruined?

The most widely accepted theory is that the Terracotta Army Pit 1 suffered significant damage during the fall of the Qin dynasty. According to historical accounts, Xiang Yu, a rebel leader, captured and looted the capital city of Xianyang in 206 BC. It is believed that during this chaotic period, Xiang Yu's forces set fire to the pits containing the Terracotta Army. The wooden supports used in the construction of the pits and the organic materials used in the figures themselves fueled the fire, causing widespread damage.

The Shaanxi History Museum - Pit 1

The Shaanxi History Museum, located near the Terracotta Army site, houses a vast collection of artifacts from Shaanxi province's rich history. While Pit 1 itself is not located within the museum, visitors can find a wealth of information about the Terracotta Army and the Qin dynasty at the museum.

Terracotta Warriors Separated by Walls

The partition walls inside the Terracotta Army Pit 1 played a crucial role in preserving the figures for centuries. By dividing the large space into smaller compartments, the walls helped prevent the figures from toppling over and damaging each other over time.

Terracotta Army of Pit 1

The Terracotta Army Pit 1 showcases the incredible artistry and craftsmanship of the Qin dynasty. Each figure was meticulously crafted with unique facial features, hairstyles, and armor details, reflecting the individuality of the soldiers they represent.

The Third Excavation of Pit 1

Since its initial discovery, the Terracotta Army Pit 1 has undergone several phases of excavation and restoration. The third excavation, which began in 2009, focused on a 200-square-meter area in the front of the pit and unearthed numerous new findings, including more terracotta figures, weapons, and other artifacts.

Broken Terracotta Figures of Pit 1

While many of the terracotta figures in Pit 1 were found intact, a significant number suffered damage over the centuries due to various factors like the fire, natural disasters, and the weight of the collapsing roof.

What to See Inside the Terracotta Army Pit 1?

The Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Army Pit 1 contains over six thousand life-sized terracotta warriors, with about one thousand excavated and on display. Each figure is meticulously crafted with unique facial features, hairstyles, and armor details, showcasing the incredible artistry and craftsmanship of the Qin dynasty. The warriors are arranged in battle formations according to their rank and military role. The variety and detail of the figures provide a fascinating glimpse into the military organization and equipment of the Qin army.

The Different Types of Warriors

The warriors in Pit 1 are not uniform but represent different ranks and roles within the Qin army. Some soldiers are depicted with no armor, considered the bravest; some are equipped with light armor, armed with weapons such as swords and crossbows; and others wear heavy armor, suggesting they were high-ranking officers. Each terracotta figure in the pit is unique, distinguished by variations in hairstyle, dress, and posture. Even the facial expressions of each soldier differ, further highlighting the meticulous attention to detail in their creation.

The Military Formation

The army within Pit 1 primarily comprises infantry, cavalry, charioteers, and archers, all meticulously arranged in a battle formation. The vanguard, situated on the eastern side, consists of over 200 archers divided into three columns. Following closely behind are the infantry, cavalry, and chariots, forming the main body of the formation. 180 armed warriors are positioned on each of the north and south sides, acting as flank guards. At the western end lies the rear guard, with two columns facing east and one facing west, signifying a strategic formation for both offense and defense.

The Weapons

The excavation of Pit 1 yielded a treasure trove of weapons alongside the terracotta figures. Bronze swords, spears, crossbows, arrows, and halberds were among the discoveries, showcasing the advanced weaponry of the Qin army. The Qin crossbow, in particular, stands out as a testament to their technological prowess, often hailed as the most powerful and sophisticated ranged weapon of its time.

Tips:

• Walk south from the ticket office for about 500 meters, turn right, and walk another 500 meters to reach the entrance of Pit 1. Entering from the east gate will give you a frontal view of the entire pit.
• Continue south to see more details of the Terracotta Warriors. The exit is at the northwest corner.
• The entrance to Pit 3 is a short distance from the exit. The entrance to Pit 2 is opposite the exit of Pit 3.

FAQs:

Q: What is the significance of the Terracotta Army?

A: The Terracotta Army is significant because it provides invaluable insights into the military practices, artistry, and culture of the Qin dynasty. The life-sized figures, their detailed armor and weapons, and their strategic formation offer a unique archaeological and historical perspective on ancient China.

Q: How long did it take to create the Terracotta Army?

A: It is estimated that it took over 700,000 laborers and craftsmen approximately 40 years to complete the creation of the Terracotta Army and the entire mausoleum complex.

Q: Are the Terracotta Warriors hollow?

A: Yes, the Terracotta Warriors are hollow. They were created using a modular construction technique, where body parts were molded separately and then assembled. This method allowed for efficient mass production.