Terracotta Warriors Museum Pit 2
On April 23, 1976, archaeologists discovered Pit 2 of the Terracotta Army, located about 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum. This underground structure, shaped like a carpenter’s square, covers approximately 8,000 square meters and contains over 1,400 pottery figures and horses. The longest dimension is 124 meters from east to west, and the widest is 98 meters from north to south. Ramp entrances are situated on the east, west, and north sides of the pit.
Layout of Terracotta Warriors Pit 2
- Crossbowmen Phalanx – Eastern Part of Pit 2
Situated at the easternmost part of the pit, it consists of lightly – armed standing archer figurines in battle robes and heavily – armed kneeling archer figurines in armor. This is a combat unit primarily relying on long – range weapons.
- Chariot Phalanx – Largest One
It is the largest among the four phalanxes. The phalanx is made up of chariots. One chariot team has 8 rows of chariots, with 8 chariots in each row. Arranged in an 8 – by – 8 formation, a total of 64 chariots form a chariot array.
- Combined Chariot, Infantry and Cavalry Phalanx
Located in the middle of the pit, it is composed of chariots, infantry figurines and cavalry figurines. It is a combat unit where multiple arms cooperate with each other.
- Cavalry Phalanx – North of Pit 2
Positioned in the northern half of the pit, it is formed by cavalry figurines and pottery saddled – horse figurines. It was the rapid – mobile force of the Qin army.
What Artifacts & Weapons Found in Terracotta Warriors Pit 2?
Pottery Figures in Pit 2
- Generals wear heguan hats and double-layered tunics with colorful fish-scale armor.
- Kneeling archers are depicted in battle robes, featuring a left-side topknot and square-toed shoes.
- Standing archer figures sport lightweight robes and hold crossbows, emphasizing long-range capabilities.
- Cavalry figures wear round caps and fitted jackets, holding horses and bows, while chariot soldiers are equipped with long-range weapons, highlighting their combat significance.
Pottery Horses in Terracotta Warriors Pit 2
The pottery horses measure about 2.10 meters long and 1.72 meters high, depicted with complete gear including saddles and bridles, appearing battle-ready. Some stand upright with alert postures, while others are shown straining in a cart-pulling stance, highlighting their strength.
Chariots in Terracotta Warriors Pit 2
Chariots were primarily made of wood, featuring precisely crafted wheels, axles, and carriages. The wheels had a large diameter, and the long axles provided stability and speed. The rectangular carriage allowed space for soldiers to stand and fight or ride.
Command chariots were larger and more elaborately decorated, often featuring flags or symbols of authority. They served as essential tools for generals to lead battles effectively.
Attack chariots were designed for charging into enemy ranks. They were equipped with long-range weapons like the ge (a halberd-like weapon) and mao (a long-shafted spear), as well as crossbows, making them highly aggressive and lethal.
Weapons in Terracotta Warriors Pit 2
- Long-Range Weapons
Crossbows: The Terracotta Army features various types of crossbows, notably the arm-drawn (bo zhang nu) and foot-drawn (jue zhang nu) models. The foot-drawn crossbow is particularly significant for its long range and power, making it a crucial weapon for the Qin army in distant combat.
Bronze Arrowheads: These arrowheads come in different shapes, including triangular and double-winged designs. They are finely crafted with sharp tips and some have barbs, enhancing their lethality against enemies.
- Long-Shafted Weapons
Ge: This weapon, typically around 3 meters long, is designed for hooking and stabbing. It was especially useful in chariot battles for attacking enemies.
Mao: With a length exceeding 4 meters, the mao features a sharp head and straight shaft, serving as a close-combat weapon for infantry and chariot soldiers.
Ji: A hybrid of the ge and mao, the ji combines hooking, stabbing, and pecking capabilities, making it highly effective on the battlefield.
- Short-Shafted Weapons
Swords: These weapons have long, slender blades typically over 80 centimeters, with some reaching over 1 meter. They are known for their sharp edges and beautifully decorated hilts.
Pi: Similar to a sword but more elongated and narrow, the pi is equipped with a long handle and is versatile for both stabbing and slashing in close combat situations.
Information of Pit 1 of Terracotta Army
Information of Pit 3 of Terracotta Army
Information of Bronze Chariots and Horses of Terracotta Army