Terracotta Warriors Pit 1 in Xian

Terracotta Warriors Pit 1 (兵马俑一号坑) is the largest and most famous of the three main pits at the Terracotta Army (兵马俑) site in Lintong District (临潼区), Xi’an (西安), Shaanxi Province (陕西省), China. It was discovered in 1974 by local farmers, leading to one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. Pit 1 is the most expansive of the pits, covering approximately 14,000 square meters and housing over 6,000 life-sized terracotta figures of soldiers, horses, and chariots.

This pit is considered the centerpiece of the Terracotta Army due to its vast number of warriors and its meticulous arrangement. It represents the sheer size and grandeur of the army built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇), the first emperor of China, to protect him in the afterlife.

Highlights

1. The Vast Army

Pit 1 is home to an incredible number of soldiers, with over 6,000 terracotta figures of infantry, archers, chariot drivers, and cavalry. These soldiers are arranged in rows, in a battle formation that reflects the strategic military organization of the Qin Dynasty (秦朝). The figures are grouped according to their roles within the army, and they include infantry in the center, archers on the sides, and cavalry at the rear.

2. The Infantry and Archers

The majority of the figures in Pit 1 are infantry soldiers and archers. These figures are dressed in armor, with distinct facial expressions and unique hairstyles that suggest individual personalities. Each warrior is carefully arranged to create the impression of an army ready for battle, and the soldiers’ weapons include swords, spears, crossbows, and halberds.

3. The Chariots and Horses

Pit 1 contains numerous terracotta chariots and horses that accompany the infantry. These figures are highly detailed, showcasing the Qin Dynasty’s military tactics and the importance of cavalry in warfare. The chariots are often drawn by teams of four horses, which were placed at the front of the formation, symbolizing the power and strength of the emperor’s forces. Some chariot teams are still in the process of being fully excavated and restored.

4. The Distinct Faces of the Soldiers

One of the most remarkable features of the warriors in Pit 1 is the distinctiveness of their faces. While the figures are all made from terracotta, each soldier has a unique facial expression, making it appear as if they were modeled after real soldiers. Some figures have sharp, defined features, while others have more delicate, rounded faces. This level of individuality demonstrates the incredible skill and craftsmanship of the ancient artists who created these figures.

5. The Preservation of Weapons

Many of the figures in Pit 1 were originally equipped with bronze weapons, including swords, daggers, crossbows, and spears. Some of these weapons have been recovered and are on display at the museum. The preservation of these weapons provides a fascinating insight into the military technology of the Qin Dynasty and reflects the advanced metallurgical skills of the time.

Significance of Pit 1

Pit 1 is the largest and most impressive of the Terracotta Army pits. It represents the military power of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇) and serves as a symbol of his desire to be protected in the afterlife by an army of imperishable warriors. The sheer size of the pit and the number of warriors within it reflect the emperor’s grand vision and his belief in his eternal power.

This pit also offers valuable insights into the Qin Dynasty’s military strategy, showcasing the importance of infantry, archers, cavalry, and chariots in battle. The meticulous arrangement of the figures, combined with the variety of weapons and equipment, provides a comprehensive view of the Qin military’s organization.

Visiting Information

Location: The Terracotta Warriors Museum (兵马俑博物馆) is located in Lintong District (临潼区), about 40 kilometers east of Xi’an (西安), Shaanxi Province (陕西省).

Opening Hours: The museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Ticket Price: The general ticket price for the museum is ¥120 (RMB), with additional fees for special exhibitions.

How to Get There: Visitors can take a bus from Xi’an Railway Station (西安火车站) or Xi’an’s Bell Tower (钟楼) to the Terracotta Army Museum. Alternatively, taxis and private transport options are also available for a more direct route.

Pit 1 of the Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑一号坑) is the largest and most famous part of the Terracotta Army (兵马俑), offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur and military might of the Qin Dynasty (秦朝). With over 6,000 life-sized figures, including soldiers, horses, and chariots, Pit 1 is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Chinese history and military strategy. This incredible archaeological discovery continues to fascinate visitors and historians alike, making it one of China’s most important cultural landmarks.