DEEP in the ancient burial grounds of China’s first emperor, archaeologists made a discovery that could rewrite the story of one of the world’s most enigmatic military forces.
Hidden among the famed Terracotta Army, this rare find is unlike anything seen in decades, shedding new light on the organisation and leadership of an army frozen in time for over two millennia.
3
3
3
The breakthrough came in Pit Two of the sprawling mausoleum in Shaanxi province, where researchers unearthed a life-sized statue believed to depict a high-ranking general.
Distinguished by its ornate armour, elaborate headdress, and distinctive posture, the figure is only the 10th officer found since the Terracotta Army was first discovered in 1974.
“Based on its location, we believe this figure was likely the highest-ranking military commander of this unit,” said Zhu Sihong, head of the excavation project.
Accompanying the general were two chariots, three clay horses, and two additional figurines.
Read more on ancient finds
“The arrangement of the high-ranking officers in the military formation reflected the military strategy, such as [the] commanding system in the Qin dynasty,” said Xiuzhen Janice Li, an archaeologist from the University of Oxford.
These artefacts offer a rare glimpse into the strategic formations and command structure of the Qin dynasty’s military, believed to have been created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
The Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, has long been one of the most iconic archaeological discoveries of modern times.
Originally stumbled upon by local farmers digging a well, the site has since revealed over 2,000 life-size statues, with experts estimating as many as 8,000 remain buried.
Each figure is unique, reflecting the diversity of the emperor’s army.
From infantry soldiers to cavalry and crossbowmen, the warriors were crafted with meticulous attention to detail and equipped with weapons such as swords and spears.
“These adornments on the high-ranking officers indicate how special they are,” Li said.
“The style and colour of the adornments featured the aesthetic taste and social status symbols [of the time.]”
The excavation of Pit Two began in earnest in 1994, with formal digs resuming in 2015.
This latest discovery comes as the Terracotta Warriors mark 50 years since their initial unearthing, underscoring the site’s enduring capacity to yield new treasures.
Restoration of the newly discovered figurine is already underway.
Experts are carefully cleaning and reassembling the general, a process that will precede detailed analysis and eventual public display.
Despite the progress, many mysteries linger.
“The major question is who is the top general to control the whole Terracotta Army?”, Li said.
As archaeologists continue their work, the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang remains a glimpse into the complexity of China’s ancient past and of the emperor’s vision for immortality.
What are the Terracotta Warriors?
THE Terracotta Warriors are a collection of life-sized clay statues that were created to accompany Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, in his mausoleum.
These figures, buried over 2,000 years ago, are part of a vast funerary complex in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, constructed to protect the emperor in the afterlife.
Discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, the warriors are considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
They are arranged in military formations across three large pits and represent the emperor’s army.
Archaeologists have excavated over 2,000 figures, but it is estimated there could be as many as 8,000 still buried.
The army includes infantry soldiers, archers, cavalry, charioteers, and generals, as well as horses and chariots.
Each warrior is unique, with individualised facial features, hairstyles, and expressions.
They were originally painted in vibrant colours, though much of the paint has faded over time.
The figures were equipped with real weapons, such as swords, spears, and crossbows.
Many of these weapons were advanced for their time, showcasing the sophistication of Qin dynasty military technology.
The statues were crafted using a combination of molds and hand sculpting.
They were made in pieces and then assembled, standing approximately 6 feet tall and weighing hundreds of pounds each.
The Terracotta Army was intended to be a guardian force to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife and ensure his continued dominance even after death.
The site, now part of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to be an active archaeological excavation, with new discoveries still being made.
