Emperor Qin Shi Huang was just 13 years old when he ascended the throne in
In 1974, some poor farmers who were digging a well, chanced upon fragments of pottery and weapons. Upon notifying the authorities, excavation began, which led to the discovery of what has now been declared a World Cultural Heritage Site and is thought to be the 8th wonder of the world.
The discovery was of 4 pits (named such in order of discovery) 3 of which contained life sized terracotta army personnel and their chariots and weapons all placed in war formations. Though not completely unearthed as yet, it is believed that there are 8000 warriors, 520 horses, and 130 chariots. The warriors varied in height according to their rank in the army. However all of them were on average about 1.8 meters in height. Although evidence of factory and mass production has been discovered, each of the mass made figures were then patched with clay and given individual markings. Historians believe that each figure depicted real warriors.
Since its discovery in 1974, a museum was built on the site the following year. The tomb itself has not been opened yet however discoveries in the surrounding vast area show the entire battle regiments, exotic birds and animals, stars and liquid mercury rivers.
The site has never ceased to amaze visitors and has continued to be a much sought after tourist attraction. The traveller to the
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