Rare Terracotta Warrior Commander Discovered at Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum!
Archaeologists working at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in Xi’an’s Lintong District, China, have made an extraordinary discovery – a terracotta warrior believed to depict a senior military commander. This remarkable find is the first of its kind from Pit No. 2 since formal excavations began in 1994.
An Elite Among Thousands
The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, built by an army of 700,000 labourers over 38 years, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The burial complex, dedicated to China’s first emperor and unifier of the nation, is centred on a 76-metre-tall pyramid-shaped mound. Beneath it lies the emperor’s main burial chamber, described by ancient historian Sima Qian in the Records of the Grand Historian as a grand hall containing palaces, treasures, and a bronze coffin.
Among the over 2,000 terracotta figures uncovered so far, only 10 have been identified as high-ranking military commanders. This latest discovery adds to that exclusive list, as archaeologists uncovered the commander figurine in a section of the site known as Pit No. 2.
Photo Credit: Bill Dickinson, Flickr
A Commander’s Distinctive Features
Pit No. 2 is thought to represent a military guard formation. Alongside this newly discovered commander, archaeologists unearthed two officer figurines and five other warriors, all clad in detailed armour reflective of their time. According to Zhu Sihong, head of the excavation project, the commander’s position within the pit indicates that he was likely the highest-ranking officer of his unit.
The general figurine is distinguished by its intricate headdress, detailed armour adorned with patterns and ribbons, and a striking pose, with its hands clasped at the abdomen. The excavation also revealed remnants of chariots and horses, consistent with the military arrangements of the Qin dynasty.
Since formal excavations resumed in 2015, Pit No. 2 has yielded a variety of military formations, including cavalry, crossbowmen, and mixed units.
Celebrating 50 Years of Discovery
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Terracotta Warriors’ discovery. The figures were first uncovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well. Over the decades, archaeologists have unearthed thousands of life-sized statues, as well as bronze chariots, stone armour, and other relics across three pits covering more than 20,000 square metres. In recognition of their historical significance, the Qin Terracotta Warriors were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
The Road to Restoration
The newly discovered commander figurine is currently undergoing meticulous restoration. Experts at the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum Museum have begun cleaning and preliminary assembly, with detailed analysis and public display to follow.
As researchers delve deeper into this archaeological marvel, the legacy of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and his extraordinary burial complex continues to captivate and inspire a global audience.