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February 21, 2013

Thursday’s Child: Terracotta Army, Xian, China

One of the most incredible feats of art or architecture I’ve seen are the Terracotta warriors of Xian, China. Built in about 200 B.C, they were buried and hidden from the world until 1974, when local farmers digging a well accidentally unearthed them.

This collection of life-sized warriors and horses made of terracotta were commissioned by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.  Designed to represent his imperial guard, they were built in pieces and then assembled before being fired.  Many of them are believed to have been built holding actual weapons, although those have since either rotted or been stolen.

Although excavation still continues, it’s estimated that there are 8,000 soldiers, 130 carriages and 600 horses. Historical records show that over 700,000 workers were involved in building this army. And the terracotta pieces probably owe their survival to the fact that the emperor insisted they be buried with him when he died.

The history behind these magnificent warriors is fascinating, but the most amazing moment was that breathtaking second when we walked into the chamber and were faced with lines of soldiers that seemingly went on forever.  They were an incredible testament to the creativity and vision of a long-gone empire.

Filed Under: China

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kittie Howard says

    February 21, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    About two years ago, the Smithsonian had an exhibit that was amazing. Oh how I'd love to walk among statues that went on forever!

    Reply
  2. yummychunklet says

    February 21, 2013 at 9:43 pm

    Impressive photos!

    Reply
  3. amy (fearless homemaker) says

    February 21, 2013 at 10:41 pm

    Wow, that sounds incredible! I've never visited China (or anywhere in Asia) but I'd love to go someday. =)

    Reply
  4. Belinda says

    February 22, 2013 at 12:51 am

    Incredible! Have always wanted to see this!

    Reply
  5. Food Gal says

    February 22, 2013 at 1:48 am

    Those terracotta warriors never cease to amaze me, especially because each one is so distinctive.

    Reply
  6. Rebecca Subbiah says

    February 22, 2013 at 3:24 am

    wow would love to go one day my parents are planning a trip next year

    Reply
  7. Guru Uru says

    February 22, 2013 at 7:23 am

    What a wonderful looking trip my friend to China 😀

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply
  8. Natalie Aguirre says

    February 22, 2013 at 12:13 pm

    Love your photos. Especially since I've been there too. Amazing they're still working on this. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  9. Liz Berg says

    February 23, 2013 at 2:06 am

    Another reason I want to go to China! What an amazing sight!!!

    Reply
  10. Angie's Recipes says

    February 23, 2013 at 5:50 am

    Stunning! I have always wanted to visited Xian…

    Reply
  11. Joanne says

    February 23, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    Wow…I can't imagine the time it took to make all of these with such fine detail.

    Reply
  12. Elaine says

    February 23, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    Beth, thse are incredible! I never seen anything like this. The detail! Wow! How tall are they?

    Reply
  13. Carol Riggs says

    February 23, 2013 at 7:32 pm

    Wow, that is amazing! Great details, too. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Kathy says

    February 23, 2013 at 9:14 pm

    Oh wow! These are incredible, Beth! Love the detail on each one.

    Reply
  15. The Café Sucré Farine says

    February 24, 2013 at 1:06 am

    I saw a whole program on these, so amazing, it's almost unbelievable!

    Reply
  16. Chocolate Shavings says

    February 24, 2013 at 11:44 am

    They are so intricately made – and almost life-like! What a grandiose piece of art.

    Reply
  17. Claudia says

    February 25, 2013 at 2:26 am

    I am amazed. What an experience – what an undertaking! Truly a grand discovery. And you were there. You must know how every muscle twitched when you walked with them.

    Reply
  18. Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says

    February 26, 2013 at 8:51 am

    Beth, a few years ago, there was an exhibition in Bonn where a number of these terracotta soldiers were on display – it was breathtaking. So, I am sure that it must have been quite a unique experience seeing them in China. Absolutely fascinating!

    Reply
  19. Patty says

    March 7, 2013 at 6:18 am

    I've always been curious to see this in person I'm going to have to make that happen 😉

    Reply
  20. Paula Montenegro says

    March 21, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    Something to remember forever and marvel at! Incredible experience Beth. Glad you shared it.

    Reply

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