Excitement swirls at the historic excavation site of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an City, the heart of the Chinese mainland's Shaanxi Province, as archaeologists announce groundbreaking findings.
On Monday, the dedicated archaeological team unearthed two chariot remains, along with three terracotta horses and three terracotta figurines at pit number 2. These remarkable artifacts provide fresh insights into the military engineering of the Qin dynasty.
Among the discoveries, a figurine initially classified as a left chariot warrior underwent a meticulous cleaning process. Zhu Sihong, the project leader, highlighted that the figure's upright feet and distinctive chest ornament indicated an officer's role, rather than that of a front-line chariot warrior.
In addition, two other figurines were identified as a right chariot warrior and a charioteer, rounding out the chariot's crew.
Experts explained that a standard Qin chariot housed four horses and three soldiers, with the central figure serving as the charioteer flanked by left and right warriors. This latest excavation, however, unveiled only one charioteer accompanied by an officer, offering new perspectives on the organization and roles within the chariot troops.
The excavation of pit number 2 began in 1994, with the first phase wrapping up in 1998, and the second formal phase commencing in 2015. Over the years, this site has been a treasure trove, unearthing cavalry formations, crossbowmen setups, chariots, and mixed troop formations.
These latest discoveries not only deepen our understanding of the Qin military's tactical frameworks but also enhance the legacy of the Terracotta Warriors as a window into ancient China's sophisticated warfare and artistry.
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Terracotta warriors new discoveries unveil Qin chariot troop structure
cgtn.com
