The first pottery head was unearthed in March 1974 by farmers digging a well for water. It was an incredible find. The first Emperor of China only ruled for 11 years but he unified the country, built 4000 miles of roads connecting his vast empire and started the Great Wall. He was a cruel, ruthless tyrant, one of the most despised rules in China's long history. He banned all books except ones on medicine and farming...he silenced the scholars. He had 270 palaces and was always moving ~ one night in each place.
Qin Shihuang means first emperor, God in Heaven, and Almighty of the Universe all rolled into one. He had this vast army created to protect him in death...it took years after he died to complete it all. Four pits were found, three containing figures. Thousands of soldiers and horses, each one painted, each one different. The soldiers appear to be from different parts of China with different temperaments. Each one is a distinct work of art.
It was never meant to be seen by anyone but the emperor. Much like the Pharaohs of Egypt, the Emperor would have everything he might possibly want or need in the afterlife. It was all buried underground along with the tomb itself. China has no plan to open the tomb itself.
Excavation is still underway. You can watch them working at the site and see samples of how they were broken and buried for two thousand years.
You can tell who is a general, an officer, and a foot soldier by their hair and head dress.
Each figure weights about 400 pounds!
The government has developed a beautiful park at the site, with wonderful buildings that hold the soldiers. They did a fantastic job with the design, layout, gardens and buildings...it was really well done.
Two chariots remain...
There are four huge buildings that house the figures. We had lunch at a very nice restaurant at the museum...a wonderful noodle bar...not your typical museum buffet. There were about 5 men making the noodles from scratch...you could watch them doing it. There were also vendors selling all kinds of stuff for tourists. They sell a book about the museum/warriors and the last of the farmers who is still alive was there and would sign the book for you. I attempted to take his picture but he said, "No, No!" and pointed to the tip bowl for money to take his picture.
We were there for about 3 1/2 hours but you could spent much more time there, exploring, reading, and watching them work. Quite fascinating!
In the morning we stopped at a museum that now makes the clay Terracotta figures in all different sizes for people from all over the world. You can have your picture taken (just your head from all different angles) and have a warrior made with your likeness. They had one of President Obama as a sample.
They also made beautiful lacquer furniture. We got a tour of each part of their manufacturing rooms...very interesting. And, of course, the sales rooms!
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