Terracotta Warriors Pit 1 – What to See?

Terracotta Warriors at Pit 1 was accidentally discovered by local farmers while digging a well on March 29^th, 1974. It is located to the east of the emperor Qin Shi Huang‘s Mausoleum. Among the three excavated Terracotta Army pits, Pit 1 is the largest in scale. There are approximately 6,000 terracotta warriors and horses buried in Pit 1. In addition, more than 1,000 soldiers have been unearthed in the cleared areas. It is rectangular in shape, running east – west, with a length of 230 meters, a width of 62 meters, a total area of 14,260 square meters, and a depth of approximately 5 meters.

Military Array at Terracotta Warriors Pit 1

• Vanguard: At the eastern end of the pit, there are three rows of warrior figures, with 70 in each row, totaling 210. They are dressed in battle robes, their legs wrapped in gaiters, wearing laced cloth shoes. Without helmets, their hair is tied up. They carry bows and arrows, holding crossbows in their hands, resembling an advance force ready to set out.
• Main Body: Following the vanguard is the main force composed of about 6,000 armored figures. Each wields long weapons such as spears, ge (a kind of halberd), and ji (a combined spear and dagger – axe) about three meters longin shaft. Along with 35 four – horse chariots, they are spaced out in 11 east – west passageways, forming 38 columns.
• Flanks and Rear Guard: In the southern, northern, and western corridors, there is a row of warriors facing outwards respectively, acting as flank guards and rear guards to ensure the safety of the flanks and rear of the military array.

Unearthed Cultural Relics at Pit 1

• Terracotta Soldiers: A large number of terracotta soldiers and military officials have been unearthed from Pit  They vary in facial expressions, clothing, and hairstyles, looking vivid and lifelike, truly presenting the images of soldiers in the Qin Dynasty.

• War Chariots: Many war chariots have been excavated. They are composed of wooden wagons and bronze components. Generally, there is one charioteer and two soldiers behind each war chariot.

• Weapons: Bronze weapons and iron weapons for actual combat, such as bronze swords, Wu hooks, spears, arrows, crossbow triggers, and bronze halberds, have been unearthed. These weapons are exquisitely made and extremely sharp, reflecting the superb weapon – making techniques of the Qin Dynasty.

  

  

Digging the water well at pit 1 marks the discovery of the terracotta army, it opened the window to the study of ancient Chinese military science, advanced metallurgy, and more. This significant find laid the foundation for the comprehensive archaeological excavation and research of the Terracotta Army.

Information of Pit 2 of Terracotta Army

Information of Pit 3 of Terracotta Army

Information of Bronze Chariots and Horses of Terracotta Army