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One of the most outstanding discoveries of modern time occurred in March of 1974 when local Chinese farmers were attempting to dig a well and instead excavated a pit holding more than 6,000 soldiers made of terracotta clay. Eventually terracotta chariots, horses, officials, strongmen, acrobats, and musicians were also unearthed.
This clay army was buried in pits to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang di, China’s first Emperor.
Since the initial discover, more terracotta figures have been discovered and now total almost 9,000. The most amazing thing, besides all of these figures being life-sized, is that each is individual. No two statues are the same and all are extremely detailed.
Although their color is somewhat bland now, they were originally painted very brightly, but I guess that’s what being buried in the ground for over 2,000 years can do.
Many of the pieces have now been restored, displayed, and currently attract millions of visitors a year. The Terracotta Army has been labeled by some as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
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