CHINA’S eerie army of Terracotta Warriors has gained 200 recruits.
Archaeologists uncovered 200 of the carved sentries during excavations at a vast “city of the dead” close to the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
The head of a Terracotta Warrior, part of a new batch found near the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi HuangCredit: Mausoleum of the Qin Shi Huang
Stumbled upon by local farmers in 1974, the Terracotta Army boasts more than 8,200 “soldiers” sculpted by a legion of local craftsmen.
It’s believed they were built and buried following the death of Huang 2,000 years ago to protect him in the afterlife.
Now a new batch of the clay sculptures has been found by a team of archaeologists at the emperor’s massive mausoleum.
Discovered in one of four burial pits surrounding the site, the soldiers come from five different ranks.
An earlier picture of a batch of Terracotta warriors. It’s thought that around 8,200 soldiers were built by ancient craftsmen. They were lined up precisely as the armies of Huang would have when charging into battleCredit: Getty – Contributor
Around 200 new soldiers were uncovered by archaeologistsCredit: Mausoleum of the Qin Shi Huang
Each warrior sculpture was unique and buried with real weaponsCredit: Mausoleum of the Qin Shi Huang
One, dubbed “lower than the lowest”, was previously unknown to experts, Shaanxi TV reported.
Among other finds at the necropolis, made up of a complex of underground palaces and courtyards, was a golden camel figurine.
The artefact is believed to be the oldest of its kind discovered in China.
Excavations at the mausoleum span several decades, with each new discovery shedding light on the real armies of the Qin Dynasty.
Among other finds was a golden camel statue believed to be the oldest of its kind discovered in ChinaCredit: Mausoleum of the Qin Shi Huang
“The terracotta warriors in the mausoleum are lined up the same way as real soldiers thousands of years ago in the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC),” China Cultural Relics Academy member Liu Zheng told the Global Times.
“So, archaeologists can research real military systems of the dynasty with these excavated warriors.”
For example, senior officers stood at the front of their formations with their swords in their hands, Mr Liu added.
In addition, senior officials wore different hair accessories to their subordinates, he said.
Alongside the new soldiers, experts also uncovered twelve horses and weapons during excavations within Huang’s tomb.
Each Terracotta warrior was intricately painted, and the newest batch boast excellent colour preservation.
“When these pottery figurines were first excavated, they were mostly coloured — with red belts and dark armour — but we lacked preservation skills and the colours faded,” Mr Liu said.
“But, this time, improved technologies are enabling the newly found figurines to retain their vivid colours.
Pottery and other artefacts were found at the siteCredit: Mausoleum of the Qin Shi Huang
A terracotta head found by the teamCredit: Mausoleum of the Qin Shi Huang
It’s thought that the Terracotta Warriors are around 2,000 years oldCredit: Mausoleum of the Qin Shi Huang
“Exhibition, excavation and conservation of the mausoleum are proceeding at the same time.”
The Terracotta Army is just one part of the wider complex of Huang’s necropolis, which experts believe covers some 38 square miles.
It’s thought a team of 700,000 craftsmen built the warriors over a period several years.
Each of the life-sized statues is unique, with its own hairstyle, clothing, armour and weapons. Excavations of the ancient sculptures continue
In other news, experts recently uncovered a mystery burial containing 2,100-year-old infant remains wearing helmets made from the skulls of other children.
Some believe China’s Terracotta Army was inspired by Ancient Greek sculptors.
And, here are the world’s most gruesome ancient burial sites.
Why do you think the warriors were made? Let us know in the comments!