Terracotta Army (Xian)

Like most other renowned ancient mausoleums, there are also countless amazing facts, unanswered questions, and secrets about the Terracotta Army. Even though the underground soldiers and horses are now in front of everyone, some questions about the world wonder might remain unanswered forever.

Qin Shihuang was the Supreme Commander of the Terracotta Army

There are many terracotta military officials in the Terracotta Army. Their duty is to make attacking plans for the whole army. However, there is no Supreme Commander in the army. It is said the Supreme Commander is Qin Shihuang himself. He is the most authoritative in the army and the army should respect him as the God of War. It is unrespectful to make a terracotta god. Furthermore, Qin Shihuang stays with the army after his death, so it is unnecessary to make another Qin Shihuang.

Who burnt the Vault 1 and 2?

The archaeologists the wood girders of the Vault 1 and 2 and the terracotta soldiers and horses in these two vaults were burnt. According to authoritative ancient documents, they were burnt by Xiang Yu, the leader of the insurgents against the Qin dynasty. He only found the Vault 1 and 2, so the Vault 3 survived.

However, there are other ideas, some experts said the three vaults are very close to each other. If Xiang Yu found Vault 1 and 2, it was impossible that he missed the Vault 3. And burning Vault 1 and 2 might be a certain kind of sacrifice ceremony.

Another popular thought is that the two vaults caught fire due to the methane’s self-ignition.

Xian Terracotta Army

Terracotta Warriors in Pit One

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Ancient potters’ unique skills

The terracotta soldiers and horses had been lying underground for over 2000 years. When they are unearthed, many of them were still colorful and hard. When archaeologists tapped those terracotta products gently, it sounded as newly made.

Nowadays, potters tried to imitate ancient methods to make terracotta soldiers and horses. They could only make some very simple soldier models but failed in making terracotta horses. So far, nobody knows how the terracotta horses with such a high quality were made 2000 years ago.

How did ancient blacksmiths use chromium oxidation for the bronze swords?

When the archaeologists found the terracotta soldiers’ bronze swords looked so new as if they were just forged. The scientists found there was a layer of oxide film with a thickness of 10 microns on the surface every bronze sword, and the oxide film include 2% of chromium, which meant the ancient blacksmiths managed to use the chromium oxidation technology. This technology was officially invented in Germany in 1937 AD, and then in the America in 1950. It was amazing that Chinese blacksmiths had already used it over 2000 years ago.

How many Terracotta Soldiers and Horses are still lying underground?

As you may have known, the excavation of the Terracotta Army has been put on hold because the current technology is not advanced enough to unearth more Terracotta Army without bringing destruction to them. So, the real amount of the Terracotta Army remains unknown.

Currently, better preserving the already-unearthed terracotta soldiers and horses are much more important than resuming the excavation. There was no special protection for the exhibits in the three vaults in the Terracotta Army Museum until scientists found these exhibits might collapse in 100 years due to the oxidation and the water vapor in the air.

Fortunately, we still have around 100 years. Recently, Chinese and American scientists made a plan to improve the quality in the museum in order to make the Terracotta Army live longer. They just started the project. Wish them good luck!

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Were there Persian workers?

Archaeologists found some human beings’ bones in the Terracotta Army Vaults. They believed these bones belonged to the workers who constructed the vaults. After analyzing the DNAs of these bones, they found some DNAs are the same with the Persian people (Today’s Iran).

2000 years ago, the average life span of people was less than 30 years, and it took nearly 20 years to go to Xianyang, the capital of Qin dynasty, so, it was still unclear why a Persian people was still strong enough to construct the Terracotta Army Vaults after he spent 20 years traveling to China from Persia.

There were also oriental people’s bones in the Pyramids in Egypt, so, traveling across continent might not be as difficult as we thought.

Was the Terracotta Army only guarding the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang?

Most archaeologists thought the Terracotta Army was built to guard the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang. However, after doing an MRI scan to the surrounding area of the mausoleum, they found there are plenty of ancient coins. Most of them are silver and bronze coins.

After comparing the amount of the coins and the financial resources of the Qin dynasty, archaeologists thought it was impossible for Qin Shihuang to use such an enormous sum of money as funeral objects. So, they thought Qin Shihuang set up national treasury beside his mausoleum, and the Terracotta Army was built to guard both his mausoleum and the national treasury.

It is also impossible to unearth the coins without destruction under current technology.

The Rivers of Mercury

According to an authoritative ancient document, Qin Shihuang infused a huge amount of mercury into his mausoleum to prevent his body from corrupting and tomb raiders.

Archaeologists did find plenty of mercury in the soil above the mausoleum. The weight of the mercury might reach 100 tons. Furthermore, they also explored the surrounding area of the mausoleum and finally found a mountain abundant in mercury 300 kilometers away from the location of the mausoleum. There are over 700 ancient pits on the mountain and some spades made during Qin dynasty around the mountain.

The ancient document, which recorded the rivers of mercury, is Historical Records, written by Sima Qian, a renowned historian in Han dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). His Historical Records became even more authoritative after the existence of the Rivers of Mercury was confirmed.

How to Plan Your Xian Tours with Terracotta Warriors?

Most travelers typically spend 2 to 3 days exploring the classic attractions of Xi'an and enjoying an enchanting night of Tang Dynasty culture before venturing out for another 2 days or more of travel. For a more in-depth exploration, we recommend spending 4 to 5 days in Xi'an. This will allow you to uncover hidden cultural gems and appreciate them at a more leisurely pace, making your trip even more memorable.

2 Days in Xian:

Attractions include: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Terracotta Warriors and Horses, and the Hanyangling. Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City show.

On day one, explore the city's rich history and culture by visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, and Muslim Quarter. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by visiting the Great Mosque and sampling delicious street food. In the evening, witness the spectacular Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City performance, a dazzling show that brings the Tang Dynasty to life through music, dance, and stunning costumes.

On day two, travel back in time to the ancient world by visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Hanyangling. Marvel at the intricate details and historical significance of these world-renowned attractions.

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3 Days in Xian:

Attractions include: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Terracotta Warriors and Horses, and Shaanxi History Museum. Try on a Hanfu.

On day one, arrive and take a leisurely evening stroll to soak up the atmosphere and get a feel for the city's charm.

On day two, delve into the history and culture of Xi'an by visiting the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Ancient City Wall, and the bustling Muslim Quarter. In the evening, be mesmerized by the spectacular Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City performance, a dazzling show that brings the Tang Dynasty to life through music, dance, and stunning costumes.

On day three, explore the rich heritage of Xi'an further by visiting the Shaanxi History Museum, where you can learn about the city's impressive past. Then, head to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a magnificent structure that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. To truly immerse yourself in the ancient culture of Xi'an, try on a Hanfu, traditional Chinese dress, and take a trip back in time.

Recommended Itinerary: 3 Days Xi'an Essence Tour: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall & Tang Dynasty Everbright City

One Day in Xian:

Attractions include: Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Terracotta Warriors and Horses.

If you only have one day to spend in Xi'an, make the most of it by visiting the city's top attractions. Start your day by exploring the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a stunning archaeological site that is a must-see for any visitor to Xi'an.

Afterwards, head to the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China, and take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along its ramparts. From there, wander through the lively Muslim Quarter, where you can sample delicious street food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the vibrant local culture.

Recommended Itinerary: Xi'an Highlights Day Tour: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter

Read more about: Xian Itineraries | How to Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Xian >>

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Discover Xian with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Based in China, with our office conveniently located in Xi'an, the local team at Asia Odyssey Travel is dedicated to providing exceptional service to ensure an unforgettable experience for those who visit this historic city. We offer a variety of carefully designed Xi'an tours, including Classic Xi'an Tours, Terracotta Warriors Tours, Day Tours, and Mount Huashan Tours, tailored to meet your needs and desires. Whether you prefer a private tour with a flexible itinerary or a small group tour without compromising on quality, Asia Odyssey Travel has the perfect tour for you, ensuring that your journey to Xi'an is a worry-free vacation.

If you're looking to extend your stay in Xi'an into a longer vacation, Asia Odyssey Travel also offers a range of inspiring ideas through our China tours from Xi'an. Our professional travel consultants are ready to assist you in customizing a tailor-made Xi'an Tour at the best local price. Don't hesitate to contact us to start planning your dream trip to Xi'an today!