Today’s lesson: The Terracotta Army are the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shi Huang the First Emperor of China. The terracotta figures, dating from 210 BCE, were discovered in 1974 by several local farmers near Xi’an, Shanxi province, China near the Mausouleum of the First Qin Emperor. The figures vary in height, according to their role, the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. Current estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits.

Now, my thoughts… The general idea of the Army and the actual statues are incredibility interesting. Just thinking that so many of these pieces are still in tact after many centuries is amazing. However the way in which this army is presented was very poor. The entire surrounding area felt like the Bridgeport Mall in Lake Oswego complete with many shops, a KFC and corporate branding from Pepsi. I understand that the need the money to pay for this dig/discovery but there had to have been a better way…

Overall this visit is another that is a can’t miss on a trek through China… Enjoy the more detailed photos below.