Xian-The Terracotta Warriors
Some farmers discovered the Terracotta Warriors, located in Xian, Shaanxi Province, in March 1974, while digging a well. According to the on-the-spot measurement after excavation, Vault 1, an underground architectural complex, is 5 meters deep, 230 meters long east to west, and 62 meters wide, north to south, covering an area of over 14,000 square meters. Leading down into the Vault is five slops doorways on each side. At a distance of 20 meters north of Vault 1, from east to west lie Vault 2 and Vault 3. Fire had wrought damages on all the three Vaults with the ground caved in and most pottery warriors, horses and weapons broken.
Besides some bronze swords, curved swords, spears, crossbows, arrowheads etc. used as weapons in actual battles, altogether six thousand pieces of pottery warriors and horses were unearthed from the Vault 1. The unearthed pottery warriors are 1.8 meters high and clay horses, 2 meters long and 1.5 meters high. In the battle array, the vanguard appeared to be formed by three ranks of warriors all facing east,
with 70 men in battle attire in each rank. Immediately behind the van is the main body of 38-column formation. On each of the three sides of the main body arrays a single rank of men, all facing out, who looked to be the flank and rear guards of the formation.
The pottery army, compact in organization and magnificent in battle arrays, is presented on a grand scale. The pottery warriors, well-proportioned and exquisitely shaped, have each a distinctive individual expression: some biting their lips, some glaring or gazing, some meditating with their heads lowered, or with troubled looks, others appearing naive or animated.
With the armor buckled on, the soldier has his crossbow under the arm, and arrow quiver slung over the shoulder. The general, armored and keeping a hand on the tip of sword handle, maintains an awesome bearing. Strong and dynamic, the horse rears its head, bristling. The grandeur and superb workmanship fully demonstrate the great talent and vision of the Chinese nation.
In 1980, another two bronze chariots with riders and horses of larger size were unearthed. The chariots each with four bronze horses harnessed to, and a driver, have a luxurious canopy, pierced windows and a saddle and a bridle of gold and silver ornaments. The chariots and horses are colorful and really true to life.
These artistic treasures of the Qin Dynasty are without doubt, one of the world's great wonders.
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