Terracotta Warriors Pit 2 in Xian

Terracotta Warriors Pit 2 (兵马俑二号坑) is one of the three main pits at the Terracotta Army (兵马俑) archaeological site located in Lintong District (临潼区), Xi’an (西安), Shaanxi Province (陕西省), China. This pit is renowned for its remarkable discovery and the significant insight it provides into the military structure of the Qin Dynasty (秦朝), which ruled from 221-206 BC.

Pit 2 was discovered in 1976, and it is considered one of the most important and intriguing parts of the site due to the variety of military formations and the detailed positioning of its warriors. It covers an area of approximately 6,000 square meters and contains around 1,000 soldiers, with many of them in various states of preservation and reassembly.

Unlike Pit 1, which contains the largest and most well-known group of soldiers, Pit 2 offers a view into a different aspect of the army, with a higher concentration of officers and cavalry. It helps historians and archaeologists better understand the complexity of the Qin Dynasty’s military organization and their sophisticated approach to war.

Highlights

1. Military Formations

Pit 2 is distinguished by its military formations, which include a mix of infantry, cavalry, and chariots arranged in battle-ready positions. The arrangement is thought to reflect the military strategies and hierarchy of the Qin army, showcasing high-ranking officers alongside their soldiers and horses, as well as different types of weapons and battle gear.

2. The Cavalry and Chariots

A significant feature of Pit 2 is the presence of cavalry figures and chariots, which were rare in the other pits. The cavalry units were positioned on the outer sides of the formation, with their horses and riders arranged in precise formations. This gives a clearer understanding of the Qin military tactics, particularly their use of cavalry in battle.

3. The Officers and Commanders

Pit 2 contains a greater number of officers and commanders than other pits. Many of these figures are distinctly marked with unique hairstyles and facial expressions, signifying their high rank. These figures are often seen wearing helmets and armor, which were crucial elements of their battle attire.

4. The Weapons

The soldiers in Pit 2 were originally equipped with a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, and crossbows. While many of the weapons have been lost over time, some have been recovered and provide valuable insight into the military technology of the Qin Dynasty. The museum has several displays showing the bronze weapons found at the site.

5. The Terracotta Horses

Pit 2 also contains a few terracotta horses, adding to the Qin Dynasty’s military efficiency. These horses were placed alongside the soldiers and were an integral part of the army’s battle formation. The horses were likely modeled with careful attention to detail, making them one of the more notable aspects of the pit.

Significance of Pit 2

Pit 2 provides a deeper understanding of the Qin army’s structure and military tactics. Unlike the more famous Pit 1 (which features the infantry), Pit 2 showcases the cavalry, officers, and chariots, offering a more comprehensive view of the Qin Dynasty’s ability to wage war. It serves as an important archaeological discovery, highlighting the Qin military’s focus on a well-organized and varied fighting force, as well as the role of officers in directing the army’s operations.

This pit also contains some of the best-preserved and most detailed figures, with many statues found in full battle gear, offering an in-depth view of the Qin army’s equipment and attire. The warriors of Pit 2 are dressed in full armor, and the cavalry are particularly notable for their finely detailed horses and riders.

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.