Archaeologists found in China a unique statue of a terracotta army general
Researchers studying the famous Terracotta Army in China have announced the discovery of a unique life-size statue of a high-ranking officer. The statue was found in the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang in Shaanxi Province.
This is only the tenth such specimen among thousands of terracotta figures discovered. It is reported by Live Science.
"The decorations on the armor of high-ranking officers demonstrate their special status. They reflect the aesthetic tastes and social symbols of that era," Janice Lee, an archaeologist at Oxford University and former senior staff member at the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum, told Xucheng.
The figure was found next to the remains of two chariots, three clay horses, and two additional soldiers. Archaeologists suggest that these findings demonstrate the complex organization of the Qin army.
"The arrangement of officers in the military formation reflected the command structure of the time," Li said.
The Terracotta Army was accidentally discovered in 1974 while digging a well. During almost 50 years of excavation, archaeologists have discovered about 2000 statues, although it is believed that there may be up to 8000 in three sites.
The warriors carried crossbows, spears, swords, and other weapons. They were created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
The new discovery was made in pit No. 2, which is believed to be the location of the cavalry. The head of the excavation project, Zhu Sihong, confirmed that this is the first officer of such a high rank discovered here.
The statue's distinctive features include elaborate headdresses, colorful armor with intricate ribbons, and folded arms. Despite the significant breakthrough, researchers are still trying to answer the main question: who was the commander-in-chief of the Terracotta Army?
"This remains the most intriguing mystery of our research," summarized Li.
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