Today in History:
July 11, 1975, Chinese archaeologists made one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century: the Terracotta Army near the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, who unified the country and ruled 221–210 BC.
Farmers digging a well in Lintong County (near Xi’an, Shaanxi) uncovered fragments of pottery and bronze arrowheads. This led to systematic excavations revealing thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, chariots, and other figures arranged in military formation to guard the emperor in the afterlife.
Estimates: Over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses across three main pits (most still remain buried).
Each warrior is unique — with individualized facial features, hairstyles, armor, and expressions reflecting rank (generals taller, infantry varied).
The site is now a major museum complex, with ongoing excavations. It offers extraordinary insight into ancient Chinese artistry, military organization, and imperial power. Many pieces are too fragile to move, so the army largely remains in its original underground formation.
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