Since 1974, archaeologists working at the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province have made numerous discoveries that enhance our understanding of this famous emperor in Chinese history.
1. The Terracotta Army in Pits 1, 2, and 3
The first pit was discovered in 1874 when local farmers were drilling a well. Subsequently, archaeologists found pits two and three to the north in 1976, forming a cluster of satellite pits located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the main tomb of Qin Shi Huang. The three pits cover areas of 14,260, 6,000, and 520 square meters respectively, containing around 8,000 terracotta warriors and horses, over 100 model chariots, and more than 40,000 bronze weapons.
The Terracotta Army arranged in the burial pits. (Photo: China Daily).
The terracotta army is arranged in military formations, with three sections and a command center. This arrangement symbolizes the army protecting Handan, the capital of the Qin state during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The discovery of the pits containing the terracotta army provides numerous research topics regarding the Qin dynasty, such as types of soldiers, equipment, military organization, the production techniques of terracotta warriors, and weapons.
2. Bronze Chariots and Horses
In 1978, archaeologists uncovered two large bronze chariots and horses located west of the massive earthen mound above the main tomb of Qin Shi Huang. They were placed in wooden coffins, which were crushed into fragments upon discovery. However, many parts remained intact, allowing scholars to reconstruct them after eight years. The bronze chariots and horses were modeled after real chariots. Although they are only half the size, they meticulously replicate every detail of their real counterparts. Previously discovered wooden chariots had decayed by the time of excavation. The discovery of bronze chariots allows us to observe replicas of ancient royal chariots.
Model of bronze chariot and horse. (Photo: China Daily).
They are among the largest and best-preserved ancient bronze chariots and horses ever found in China, providing essential reference images for scholars studying metallurgy and bronze production technology during the Qin dynasty.
3. The Waterfowl Pit
In 2000, a satellite pit located outside the mausoleum wall contained 46 bronze waterfowl statues, including swans, red-crowned cranes, and geese, along with 15 ceramic figures. The waterfowl are depicted in lively poses, some foraging while others are resting. Several cranes hold insect-like objects in their beaks, as if their sharp bills have just emerged from the water after catching prey. The entire scene closely resembles a water body where waterfowl frolic and hunt insects along the riverbank.
Statue of a crane in the waterfowl pit. (Photo: China Daily).
Many archaeologists speculate that the ceramic figures symbolize musicians playing instruments, while the waterfowl were domesticated to dance to the music. As burial objects, they could entertain the emperor and showcase the cultural diversity of the Qin dynasty.
4. The Large Tomb West of the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang
Since 2013, excavations have been taking place in the tomb located west of the main tomb of Qin Shi Huang. This is a satellite tomb within the mausoleum complex. Over the years, the archaeological team has excavated corridors within the tomb, burial chambers, and three horse and chariot pits, discovering a rare four-wheeled chariot. The tomb covers an area of 1,900 square meters and contains a vast array of artifacts, including ceramics, bronze vessels, jade artifacts, iron, gold, and silver. The gold and silver camels found in the burial chamber are among the oldest in China.
Archaeologists state that although the identity of the tomb’s owner remains a mystery, it is currently one of the highest-status tombs of the Qin nobility ever discovered and excavated. The tomb provides valuable insights into the burial customs of the Qin aristocracy.
