Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit No.2

Terracotta Army Pit No. 2: The Silent Guardians of Qin’s Elite

Terracotta Army Pit No. 2, one of the burial pits of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum, is known as one of the "twin jewels" along with Pit No. 1, showcasing the elite and powerful military force of the Qin Dynasty. Though smaller in scale than Pit No. 1, Pit No. 2 boasts an ingenious layout, diverse troops, and a strict formation, leaving audiences in awe. It presents a magnificent scene of ancient warfare.

I. Scale and Layout: Ingenious Arrangement for Victory

Pit No. 2 covers an area of about 6,000 square meters, shaped like a rectangle, 210 meters long from east to west, and 50 meters wide from north to south. A total of 1,300 terracotta warriors, 80 chariots, 80 horses, and a large number of weapons have been discovered in the pit. Unlike the square formation of Pit No. 1, Pit No. 2 employs a "slanting formation," where soldiers are arranged in multiple rows, staggered front and back, resembling a flock of geese in flight, showcasing the flexible and dynamic tactics.

1. Slanting Formation: Agile Mobility, Balanced Offense and Defense

The "slanting formation" in Pit No. 2 reflects the Qin army’s emphasis on flexible tactics. Soldiers are not arranged in a uniform square formation but rather in multiple staggered rows, maintaining a certain distance between them, enabling mutual protection and quick formation adjustments in response to unexpected situations. This formation effectively defends against enemy attacks while facilitating counter-offenses, making it a commonly used tactic in ancient warfare.

2. Troop Deployment: Archers, Crossbowmen, and Infantry Working Together

The well-balanced deployment of troops in Pit No. 2 reflects the Qin army's powerful combat capabilities. The pit primarily features archers, crossbowmen, infantry, and chariot troops, who cooperate and fight in unison, showcasing the Qin army’s flexible tactical strategies. Archers provide long-range attacks, infantry handle close combat, and chariot troops charge and provide cover. These three types of troops complement each other, combining both offense and defense.

3. Formation Changes: Versatile Tactics for Victory

The soldiers in Pit No. 2 are not simply static displays but rather adopt different formations based on varying battlefield conditions, reflecting the Qin army’s flexible and versatile combat style. For example, chariot troops found in the pit are arranged in horizontal lines, vertical lines, and even semicircles, showcasing different tactical intentions.

II. Characteristics of the Terracotta Warriors: Intricate Detailing, Vivid Realism

The terracotta warriors in Pit No. 2 share similarities in style with those in Pit No. 1, but also possess their own distinct charm.

1. Detailed Carving: Exquisite Craftsmanship, Capturing Both Form and Spirit

The terracotta warriors in Pit No. 2, whether in facial expressions or clothing, are carved with vivid realism, showcasing the exceptional skills of Qin Dynasty terracotta artistry. The warriors' hair, eyes, noses, mouths, and other features are carved with incredible detail. Even the patterns on their collars and decorations on their boots are clearly visible.

2. Weapons and Equipment: A Complete Array, Powerful and Majestic

The terracotta warriors in Pit No. 2 hold various weapons, such as bows and arrows, swords, and spears, demonstrating the Qin army's formidable military strength. The weapons and equipment of the warriors are comprehensive and meticulously crafted, reflecting the advanced level of metallurgy during the Qin Dynasty.

3. Unique Expressions: Serious Countenances, Impressively Majestic

The terracotta warriors in Pit No. 2 have serious expressions and determined gazes, embodying the imposing presence of Qin soldiers. Their faces, whether gazing intently, glaring fiercely, or gritting their teeth, depict different combat states.

III. Historical Significance: Unveiling the Qin Army, Reliving History

The discovery of Terracotta Army Pit No. 2 has lifted the veil on the Qin Dynasty army, revealing its powerful military strength and advanced weaponry.

1. Qin Army Tactics: Flexible Mobility, Balanced Offense and Defense

The "slanting formation" in Pit No. 2, along with the troop deployment and formation changes, showcases the Qin army's flexible and dynamic combat style, and its tactical strategies incorporating both offense and defense.

2. Military Strength: Elite Troops, Dominating the World

The terracotta warriors in Pit No. 2 demonstrate the Qin Dynasty's formidable military strength and advanced weaponry, providing valuable insights for researching Qin Dynasty history and military affairs.

3. Historical Value: Precious Heritage, World Wonder

Terracotta Army Pit No. 2, one of the burial pits of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum, is the largest and best-preserved ancient military site in the world, holding immense historical and artistic value.

The discovery of Terracotta Army Pit No. 2 has opened a window to understanding the history of the Qin Dynasty, showcasing the powerful military strength and advanced weaponry of the era, while leaving behind a priceless cultural heritage.

Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit No.2 main content:

Terracotta Warriors Pit No. 3:
Pit No. 3 is the smallest of the three main pits, with an area of only 520 square meters, but it is the command center of Pit No. 1 and Pit No. 2. Pit No. 3 was discovered in June 1976 and opened to the public on September 2, 1989. The archaeological team has completed the excavation of Pit No. 3.
Terracotta Warriors Pit No. 2:
Pit No. 2 of the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xi'an is located about 20 meters northeast of Pit No. 1 and about 120 meters east of Pit No. 3. Although Pit No. 2 is not as magnificent as Pit No. 1, it is the most complete pit of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses discovered so far, with terracotta warriors such as infantry, cavalry, charioteers and archers.
Origin of the Terracotta Warriors:
The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.
Where are the Terracotta Warriors:
The figures, dating from approximately the late 200s BCE, were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong County, outside Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
What are the Terracotta Warriors made of:
Each warrior was built from the ground upwards using different body parts made from thick coils of clay and the head was made and fired separately.
Story of the Terracotta Warriors:
The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.
History of the Terracotta Warriors:
A terra-cotta army of more than 8,000 life-size soldiers guarded the burial site of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di. The Terra-Cotta Warriors were only discovered in 1974.
Introduction to the Terracotta Warriors:
The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.
Do you need to make an appointment for the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an?:
Ticket purchase method: The Qin Shihuang Mausoleum Museum implements real-name online reservation and ticket purchase. All visitors (including Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign visitors, and policy-free ticket personnel) must make reservations and pre-purchase tickets through the official website, official WeChat public account "Qin Shihuang Mausoleum Museum" or "Terracotta Warriors Ticket Online". Ticket purchase steps: For operation steps and details, please refer to the "Ticket Purchase Instructions" content on the ticket booking page.
Why make the Terracotta Warriors?:
According to the setting of "the underworld" and "the world of the living" in ancient culture, and the principle of "living in the face of death" of the ancients, the reason why Qin Shihuang built the Terracotta Warriors was to build an extremely powerful army for himself in the "underworld". The Terracotta Warriors have various figures and appearances, probably based on the models of the generals with outstanding military achievements or the brave soldiers in the Qin army, showing the passion and pride of the Qin soldiers who swore to defend the Qin Empire to the death.
Why not dig the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang?:
According to historical records, there are hundreds of tons of mercury in the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang, which is poisonous and will be fatal if inhaled. It will be a big problem to safely handle the hundreds of tons of mercury in the underground palace. At the same time, there are anti-theft devices such as crossbows, so excavation is a very dangerous thing. If you are not careful, the life safety of archaeologists will be endangered.
Why do all the Terracotta Warriors have single eyelids?:
This kind of theory believes that the Terracotta Warriors are made of simulated people, so the Terracotta Warriors are vivid, with double eyelids and single eyelids. However, since the double eyelids are painted with paint, after the Terracotta Warriors were dug out, the color faded due to air oxidation and the double eyelids became single eyes.
How many Terracotta Warriors were found when digging the well?:
A terra-cotta army of more than 8,000 life-size soldiers guarded the burial site of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di. The Terra-Cotta Warriors were only discovered in 1974. On March 29, 1974, the first in an extensive collection of terra-cotta warriors was discovered in Xian, China.
What are the Terracotta Warriors in Pit No. 4?:
To date, four pits have been partially excavated. Three are filled with the terra-cotta soldiers, horse-drawn chariots, and weapons. The fourth pit is empty, a testament to the original unfinished construction.
How do the soldiers in Pit No. 1 in Shaanxi represent the military life of ancient China?:
With the largest number of warriors (an estimated 6,000), Pit 1 is assumed to represent the main part of the army, reflecting the importance of infantry at a time when military dominance of a state depended on being able to assemble the largest numbers of warriors.
How many Terracotta Warriors are there in Pit No. 3?:
A total of 68 lifelike terracotta warriors were excavated from this pit, 42 from the southern wing room and 22 from the northern one. Sadly, many of them are missing their heads. The archaeologists also found a lot of well-preserved bronze weaponry, as well as gold, stone and bronze decorations, inside Pit 3.
Is Qin Shihuang Chinese?:
Qin Shihuang (February 18, 259 BC - July 11, 210 BC), surnamed Ying, clan Zhao, named Zheng, called Zhao Zheng (or Zhao Zheng) at the time, and historical books often called him Qin Wang Zheng or the First Emperor. His ancestral home was Yingcheng (now Laiwu District, Jinan City, Shandong Province), and he was born in Handan, the capital of Zhao State (now Handan City, Hebei Province). He was the son of King Zhuangxiang of Qin and Zhao Ji, and the 35th grandson of E Lai, an important official of the Shang Dynasty.
Has the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang been robbed?:
In the historical materials of all dynasties, there are records of the theft of Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum. Among them, there are materials showing that Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum had been robbed during the Song Dynasty. However, it is strange that there is a special section in "Historical Records" to tell about Qin Shihuang, but there is no mention of the theft of Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum. Of course, to date, there are different opinions on whether Xiang Yu robbed Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum, and even whether people in later generations really opened Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum. Many people have also produced ironclad evidence to prove that Xiang Yu's tomb robbery was a rumor.
Is the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang real?:
The Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang was built from 246 BC to 208 BC, which took 39 years. It is the mausoleum of Qin Shihuang, the emperor of the Qin Dynasty in Chinese history. It is also the first imperial mausoleum in China with a large scale, exquisite layout and well-preserved. The existing mausoleum is 76 meters high. The mausoleum is arranged in imitation of the Qin capital Xianyang, divided into two inner and outer cities, with a circumference of 2.5 kilometers for the inner city and 6.3 kilometers for the outer city.
When was the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang discovered?:
In the spring of 1974, the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang was discovered. It can be said that the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang is one of the largest and most exquisitely structured mausoleums in the world so far. However, more than 40 years have passed, and it is puzzling that the mausoleum has not been excavated. What is the reason? One is that the underground palace is large. In fact, from the location on the satellite map, it looks like a soaring dragon sweeping from Jiaoshan to Huashan, and Lishan is located at the dragon's eye, so its feng shui is of course excellent.
When can the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang be excavated?:
As the largest mausoleum project in history, the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang was designed and supervised by Prime Minister Li Si. More than 720,000 people were conscripted for labor service. It took 39 years to build and was not completed. Because the Qin Dynasty fell, this huge project was forced to stop. In 1974, a farmer was digging a well in the wilderness. While digging, he suddenly found some broken pottery pieces. As the capital of 13 dynasties, Xi'an has many ancient tombs. It is no secret.
Where are the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shihuang?:
The Terracotta Warriors, also known as the Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum, are the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units and the first batch of Chinese world heritage sites. They are located in the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit 1.5 kilometers east of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum in Lintong District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province. More than 200 foreign heads of state and government have visited it, becoming a golden name card of China's ancient glorious civilization, and is also known as one of the world's top ten rare treasures in ancient tombs.
Are the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang real people?:
The answer is yes. It is made of clay, but the craftsmen who made these terracotta warriors must be living people. As the first emperor in Chinese history to complete the great unification, Qin Shihuang's great achievements are worthy of being remembered by generations of Chinese. It is worth mentioning that after research, modern historians believe that although Qin Shihuang was not a benevolent monarch, he built a lot of buildings and wasted people's money, but it is biased to deny Qin Shihuang's achievements.
Is Machu Picchu one of the Seven Wonders of the World?:
The new seven wonders of the world are: the Great Wall of China, the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, the Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen Itza, Mexico, the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, and the Taj Mahal in India.
What is the rank of the Pyramids as the wonder of the world?:
The Great Pyramid of Giza The Great Pyramid of Giza refers to the Pyramid of Khufu in the Giza Pyramids. It is located on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt. It is the first of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the oldest in construction, and the only well-preserved wonder.
What are the unknowns about the Terracotta Warriors?:
10: The greatest mystery is still to be revealed: the First Emperor's tomb has never been opened. Emperor Qin Shi Huang's actual tomb remains a mystery to archaeologists and historians as it is still sealed up. There have been geophysical surveys of the tomb mound, but the mausoleum itself has not been excavated.
What are the Terracotta Warriors in Pit No. 2?:
Pit 2, is 96 m (315 ft) long and 84 m (276 ft) wide that consists of four units contain various types of troops, including cavalryman, archer, chariots and infantry, which display extremely according to the military formation. The wounded warriors and dead soldiers.
In addition to the soldiers, what else was found in the Terracotta Warriors Pit?:
In addition to the warriors themselves, the dig uncovered horses, chariots, bronze ritual vessels, jade jewelry, and gold and silver ornaments. According to historian Sima Qian, the emperor so feared that his artisans “might disclose all the treasure that was in the tomb, . .
How to buy tickets for the Terracotta Warriors?:
(I) Click on the official website of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum to enter the ticket purchase interface. (II) Select the type of ticket you want to buy, fill in the order information, and the ticket purchase is successful after online payment. Warm Tips: Search the WeChat public account [Xi'an Local Treasure], follow it and reply [Terracotta Warriors] to make an appointment to purchase Terracotta Warriors tickets, view the visit process, preferential policies, transportation guides, interpretation services, etc., and you can also make an appointment for tickets to popular scenic spots in Xi'an and surrounding areas, and view the summary of free scenic spots.
How many people are there in the Terracotta Warriors?:
The Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang is a unique imperial mausoleum in the world. First of all, the sources of various raw materials are strictly required, and many are mined and processed by specialized craftsmen. A lot of manpower and material resources were used during the construction process. Some historians believe that at most 700,000 people participated in the construction project. The Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum were not recorded in historical books, so they were unknown, and therefore they have been able to preserve their original appearance for more than 2,000 years.
How many pits are there in the Terracotta Warriors?:
The Terracotta Warriors Pit is located about 1.5 kilometers east of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum, and it is a component of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum. Three pits have been discovered, which are basically arranged in a "品" shape, with a total area of more than 20,000 square meters.
What materials are the Terracotta Warriors made of?:
There are huge differences in the materials and craftsmanship of the two. Most Greek statues are carved from marble; while the Qin Terracotta Warriors are made of ceramics and are a piece of ceramic art. The motivation for making the Terracotta Warriors has obvious Chinese traditional factors. Before the Terracotta Warriors, there was a custom of human sacrifice in China during the pre-Qin period. The Qin State did not encourage this custom, which was considered a bad habit at the time. It is reasonable and independent to innovate full-body figurines based on tradition.
Are the Terracotta Warriors fired from living people?:
The Terracotta Warriors were not made from living people, but the ancient craftsmen used their wisdom and ingenuity to leave us this precious cultural heritage.
Are the Terracotta Warriors a wonder of the world?:
The Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shihuang are located in Shaanxi, my country. They are of great historical significance and are a cultural treasure of our Chinese nation. They are also known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". The Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shihuang look like real people, and there are so many Terracotta Warriors that no two faces or shapes are exactly the same.
What wonder of the world are the Terracotta Warriors?:
The Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shihuang are called the "Eighth Wonder of the World", but compared with the Qin Shihuang Underground Palace, it is just a star in the sky. In December 1987, UNESCO included the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang in the "World Heritage" catalog. On July 25, 1991, the "World Heritage" certificate awarding ceremony was held in Beijing. Since then, the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang has entered an era of protection by all mankind.
Whose tomb is the Terracotta Warriors?:
History After Qin Shihuang ascended the throne, he began to build his own mausoleum, and the construction process lasted his entire life. The total area of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum reaches 50 square kilometers, including the current Qin Terracotta Warriors and the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum.
Which province's tourist resource is the Terracotta Warriors?:
Pit No. 1 was partially excavated and opened in 1979; Pit No. 3 was fully excavated and opened in 1989; Pit No. 2 began to be excavated in March 1994, and the audience can watch the excavation process. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang are part of the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum of Qin Shihuang was built on the basis of Qin Shihuang's burial pit. It is located in Lintong County, Xi'an City, 1,500 meters east of the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang.
Were the Terracotta Warriors buried alive?:
No, the Terracotta Warriors were not buried alive, they were warriors made from clay. Although, before and during the time of construction of these figures some Kings and Emperors did bury people alive with them as human sacrifices.
What was found in the Terracotta Warriors tomb?:
Nearly 200 accompanying pits containing thousands of life-size terra cotta soldiers, terra cotta horses and bronze chariots and weapons - a world-renowned discovery - together with burial tombs and architectural remains total over 600 sites within the property area of 56.25 square kilometers.
Are the Terracotta Warriors still being excavated?:
It turns out that the Terracotta Warriors are being dug every day! Looking at these archaeologists digging little by little with small shovels and small brushes, you think they have discovered new relics. No! They are actually still doing the excavation and protection work of the Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum. Although this project has been going on for 50 years, it has been verified that this protection and excavation work will continue for 700 years.
What is the origin of the Terracotta Warriors?:
Terracotta Warriors are a category of ancient tomb sculptures. In ancient times, human sacrifice was practiced. Slaves were accessories of slave owners during their lifetime. After the death of slave owners, slaves had to be buried with slave owners as sacrificial objects. Terracotta Warriors are sacrificial objects made in the shape of soldiers and horses (chariots, horses, soldiers), and buried with Qin Shi Huang. The excavation of the Terracotta Warriors shocked the whole world.
What is the purpose of the Terracotta Warriors?:
Definition Terracotta Warriors refers to thousands of life-size clay models of soldiers, horses and chariots, which are stored in the magnificent mausoleum of Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China, near Mount Xishan in Shaanxi Province. The purpose of the army was probably to serve as the guardian of the tomb or to serve the ruler in the afterlife. The site was discovered in 1974, and the lifelike military images provide a unique perspective on ancient Chinese warfare, from weapons to armor or chariot machinery to command structures.
What do the Terracotta Warriors represent?:
Terracotta Warriors are a category of ancient tomb sculptures. In ancient times, human sacrifice was practiced, and slaves were the appendages of slave owners during their lifetime. After the death of slave owners, slaves were buried with slave owners as sacrificial objects. Terracotta Warriors are sacrificial objects made in the shape of soldiers and horses (chariots, horses, soldiers).