Workers digging a well outside Xi’an, China, in 1974 made a groundbreaking discovery: they unearthed a life-size clay soldier ready for battle. This remarkable find led to the involvement of Chinese authorities, who sent archaeologists to investigate further.
What they uncovered surpassed all expectations: thousands of clay soldiers, each meticulously crafted with unique facial expressions and arranged by rank. Although now predominantly gray, traces of paint hint at the soldiers’ once vividly colored attire. Excavations also revealed an array of weapons such as swords and arrow tips, remarkably well-preserved.
The soldiers are situated in trench-like corridors underground. Some corridors feature clay horses lined up four abreast, accompanied by wooden chariots.
Known as the Terra-Cotta Army, this astonishing discovery is part of an elaborate mausoleum constructed to accompany China’s first emperor into the afterlife, as interpreted by archaeologists. This monumental find offers profound insights into ancient Chinese burial customs and beliefs surrounding the afterlife.
