How Many Pits Are in the Terracotta Army?
The Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-size clay soldiers and horses that were buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the 3rd century BC. The army was intended to protect the emperor in the afterlife and is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Location of the Terracotta Army Pits
The Terracotta Army pits are located about 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) east of the tomb mound of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China. They are part of the larger complex of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Number and Arrangement of the Pits
Currently, archaeologists have unearthed three pits containing the Terracotta Army. They are arranged in a rough "品" shape, which resembles the Chinese character for "military." These pits cover a combined area exceeding 20,000 square meters (approximately 5 acres).
Pit 1
This is the largest of the three pits, measuring about 230 meters long, 62 meters wide, and 5 meters deep (755 feet by 203 feet by 16 feet). It contains the main force of the Terracotta Army, with over 6,000 soldiers arranged in battle formation. The soldiers are arranged in ranks and columns, with archers at the front, followed by infantry and chariots.
Pit 2
Located to the northeast of Pit 1, Pit 2 is smaller but contains a greater variety of figures. This pit is believed to represent a military guard and includes chariots, cavalry, and infantry units, as well as acrobats and strongmen who may have been intended for the emperor's entertainment in the afterlife.
Pit 3
The smallest of the three pits, Pit 3 is thought to represent the command post of the Terracotta Army. It contains high-ranking officers and a war chariot believed to have belonged to the army's commander. The presence of these figures suggests a sophisticated command structure within the terracotta army.
Further Exploration and Potential Pits
Though three pits have been excavated, ongoing archaeological work suggests the possibility of more undiscovered pits within the mausoleum complex. These potential discoveries continue to fuel excitement and anticipation for further insights into the Terracotta Army and the reign of Qin Shi Huang.
FAQs
Q1: Are all the Terracotta Army pits open to the public?
A: Yes, all three excavated pits (Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3) are open to the public and constitute the main attractions of the Terracotta Army Museum.
Q2: Why were the Terracotta Army figures buried with the emperor?
A: In ancient China, it was believed that objects and even people could be taken into the afterlife. Qin Shi Huang, seeking to rule in the afterlife just as he did in life, had the Terracotta Army created to serve and protect him in his next life.
Q3: Are all the Terracotta warriors identical?
A: No, each Terracotta warrior is unique. They were crafted with incredible detail and individuality, each possessing different facial expressions, hairstyles, and even armor styles, reflecting the different ranks and roles within the Qin army.