History of Terracotta Army

The history of Terracotta Army dates back over 2,200 years. It was built from 247BC or 246BC to 208BC for the purpose of protecting Emperor Qin Shi Huang in his afterlife. It has suffered a number of natural disasters and man-made destructions. In 1974 this man-made wonder was discovered by local farmers when digging a well, then excavated and put under protection. In 1979 it was opened to the public. The Terracotta Army was built from 247 BC or 246 BC to 208 BC over 2,200 years ago. According to a history book named Shih Chi, the 13-year-old Qin Shi Huangdi (259 BC - 210 BC) commanded his subjects to built his mausoleum soon after he was crowned as the king of Qin State. The time should be 247 BC or 246 BC. As a main part of the mausoleum, the terracotta warriors should be built at the same time. At that time, the Prime Minister, Li Si, was responsible for its layout and design, and the senior general Zhang Han supervised the task. The construction was finished in 208 BC, 2 years after Qin Shi Huang’s death. It is the first large scale, and relatively well-preserved, imperial mausoleum with exquisite layout in Chinese history. 
 Most historians conclude that it took nearly 40 years from 247 BC or 246 BC to 208 BC to construct, based on excavation work and historical records. There are also a few who think it took about 10 years starting in 221 BC after Emperor Qin Shi Huang defeated other states and unified China then stopping in 209 BC due to the peasants uprising. 
 In the 2,200 year history of the Terracotta Warriors, they have suffered flooding. The proof is the setting walls inside Pit 1. After research and study, archaeologists found that the original 3.5-meter (138.8-inch) high wall has sunk a large amount, and is only now 1.7-meter (66.9-inch) height, so they hypothesize flood damage.
 Many of the warriors’ weapons have been found missing during excavation work. Therefore, experts suppose that the terracotta soldiers might have suffered human disruption. They think that someone might have entered the pits to take those missing weapons. The overlord of Western Chu Xiang Yu (232 BC - 202 BC) and his subordinates are suspected to have taken the bronze swords and other weapon for warfare. 

During excavations, archaeologists found extensive burnt soil and plenty of wooden charcoal traces of timber and hemp rope inside some terracotta warriors’ pits, which can prove that the terracotta army had a tortured experience in fire. Most Chinese archaeologists regard Xiang Yu (232 BC - 202 BC) as the suspect who ordered soldiers to set fire to the terracotta army.

Based on records in Chinese historical documents, Qin Shi Huang destroyed the state of Chu and killed some families of Xiang Yu indirectly. Therefore, as a Chu citizen, Xiang Yu had sufficient reasons to destroy Qinshihuang's mausoleum with fire.

 See more about How did the Terracotta Army get burnt and destroyed?
 

In March 1974, the terracotta army was discovered by local villagers when digging a well during a dry season. That was the Terracotta Warriors Pit 1. Then Pit 2, Pit 3 and many other accessory pits were discovered and excavated in succession.

 See Discovery of Terracotta Army     Who found the Terracotta Warriors?
 

Archaeological teams began excavating the terracotta army in 1974 as soon as it was found. Up to now, many pottery warriors and horses have been unearthed from the pits. Many different types of terracotta warriors were found, including cavalry warriors, infantry warriors and kneeling archers in succession. In order to keep the true colors of terracotta warriors at their best, experts adopted modern technologies to preserve them during the unearthed process and after being excavated. 

In order to protect the Terracotta Army preferably, in 1975, Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum was built on the site of the terracotta warriors to exhibit the terracotta warriors and horses as well as other historical relics unearthed from the mausoleum.

 Recommended Tour Itinerary:
Terracotta Warriors Tour: One-day to visit Terracotta Warriors and Horses and more
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