In 1974 some peasants were digging a well and uncovered The Terracotta Warriors. The army is 2000 years old and the first excavated vault, 210 metres by 60 metres, has thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers and their horses in battle formation.
After the 6000 figures of warriors and horses are 3 rows of 210 crossbow and long bow bearers. Behind them is the main force of armoured soldiers holding spears daggers-axes and long shaft weapons, accompanied by 35 horse-drawn chariots.The wooden chariots have rotted now and each soldier has different facial features and expressions.
There are still many parts of this vault that have not been excavated yet.
Over 10,000 weapon pieces were uncovered and sorted, and because of a surface treatment they were given, were still sharp after 2000 years.
In 246 BC, at the age 13, Ying Zheng assumed the title of 'First Emperor- Qin Shi Huang'. He united the country and standardised the writing and currency. He ruled till 210 BC.
The army was to protect him in the afterlife. The Emperor's tomb had many ingenious defences against invaders as it was filled with precious stones so he had the artisans buried alive to keep the site a secret!
There are many mausoleums in this area of China and thousands have yet to be excavated.
