In 1974, a resident of a village in the vicinity of Xi'an discovered the crypt while digging a well. The crypt contained life-size terracotta figures of warriors in combat gear.
The Terracotta Army was "stationed" a couple of kilometers from Shi Huangdi's tomb. It became one of the most important discoveries made by archaeologists in the 20th century. In total, more than 8000 figures were discovered, made by unknown craftsmen by hand.
It is striking that each figure has a unique expression and facial features, this may indicate that the statues were sculpted from nature so that after death the soul of a warrior could return to a clay body. Each figure is covered with a special glaze and paint on top.
At the beginning of the army, you can see archers, then warriors with spears and halberds, and behind them war chariots drawn by horses. The warriors are located so that their gazes are directed to the east - to the place where the kingdoms subordinate to Shi Huangdi were once located.
Work on the creation of the army began after the emperor ordered the construction of the tomb. It happened in 246 BC - shortly after the accession of Shi Huang to the throne of the Qin kingdom. About 7000 people worked on the creation of a huge army. Many workers died from exhaustion or accidents. The emperor also did not escape the sad fate - he died suddenly in 210 BC, when he was trying to find the elixir of immortality.
