In a remarkable discovery at China’s illustrious Terracotta Army site, archaeologists have unearthed a rare 2,000 year old statue thought to be that of a top military official.
The clay figure was found preserved in silt, joining the iconic collection of life-sized warriors that have been a source of wonder for historians and globe-trotters alike. The South China Morning Post reports this is the first commander statue to be found since 1994, a rare addition to the mere 10 commanders among the thousands of soldiers present there.
Created to guard Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, in his afterlife, the army has been surveilling the emperor’s majestic burial ground near Xi’an, flagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1987. It continues to stand as one of the pinnacle archaeological digs across the globe. Zhu Sihong, who leads the excavation team, shared with CCTV, China’s national broadcaster, that the commanding figurine was excavated from “No. 2 Pit” and appears to have been the big cheese of his brigade.
Created to guard Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, in his afterlife, the army has been surveilling the emperor’s majestic burial ground near Xi’an, flagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1987 ( Image: (Image: Getty))
“Based on its location, we believe this figure was likely the highest-ranking military commander of this unit,” elaborated Sihong. Remarkably, the piece has kept some original pigmentation, which Sihong attributes to the silt safeguarding the paint through constant underground dampness and temperature conditions.
The commander didn’t rise from his earthen slumber solo; along with him were two other high-ranking officers, five armored foot soldiers, fragments of chariots, and horses, reports the Express. Researchers determined the figure’s rank by analyzing its intricate headdress, ornate armor, and the characteristic pose of its clasped hands. The sprawling Terracotta Army site, covering 22 square miles, is believed to encompass over 600 hidden vaults.
Stumbled upon by local farmers in 1974, the site is thought to contain up to 7,000 life-size soldiers, horses, chariots, and weapons. To date, roughly 2,000 statues have been unearthed, with many experts speculating that thousands more remain buried.
Pit No. 1 showcases rows of soldiers and chariots, Pit No. 2 houses over 1,000 warriors and wooden chariots, while Pit No. 3 contains fewer warriors but is believed to represent a command center ( Image: (Image: Getty))
UNESCO has hailed the figures as “masterpieces of realism” due to their remarkably lifelike expressions and detailed designs. Every statue was uniquely crafted and initially painted in vibrant hues, though many have faded over time. The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, which encompasses the mausoleum site, has become a major draw for tourists and scholars alike. The site’s pits are designated in the order of their discovery.
Pit No. 1 showcases rows of soldiers and chariots, Pit No. 2 houses over 1,000 warriors and wooden chariots, while Pit No. 3 contains fewer warriors but is believed to represent a command center. As excavations continue, new insights are emerging about the army and its purpose. Scholars believe that the emperor’s burial complex, which reportedly took 38 years to build with the labor of 700,000 workers, still harbors many secrets waiting to be uncovered.