How They Were Discovered

The Terracotta Army figures' excavation is regarded as one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century. It had lain underground for more than 2000 years before farmers digging a well in 1974 uncovered what is now considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world.

The first part of the Terracotta Army site to be discovered was named Vault One. In 1976, two other vaults were uncovered about 20 meters away, and were named Vault Two and Vault Three.

The tomb is a treasury for the Chinese people and for the whole world. In December 1987, UNESCO selected the Tomb of the First Emperor (including the Terracotta Army Vaults) as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

The History of the Terracotta Army

The History of the Terracotta Army timeline, infographic
See the Terracotta Warriors in Detail — Categories, Distinctive Features, and Weaponry
Types of Terracotta Warriors, teracotta warrior categories infographic
Three Major Categories
In the three pits, approximately 8,000 life-size, vivid in battle formation were revealed in the course of excavation — a whole army, which would accompany its emperor into immortality.

The excavated terracotta figures fall into three major categories: infantry, cavalry, and charioteers.

The infantry can be further divided into subcategories, including officers of high, middle, and low rank, light-armed and heavy-armed foot soldiers, and standing and kneeling archers.

The charioteers can be further divided into two subcategories: chariot drivers and chariot warriors.

Distinctive Features: Facial Shapes, Hairstyles, and Dressing
Every figure differs in its facial features and expression, clothing, and hairstyle in accordance with its rank.

a terracotta warrior, the Terracotta ArmyA figure with a '目'-shaped face
Facial Shapes

Analyses show that the facial shapes of the terracotta figures can be roughly classified into eight types, and each shape resembles a Chinese character: 目, 国, 用, 甲, 田, 由, 申, and 风. For example, '目'-shaped faces look relatively narrow and long, and have small features.