Tuesday, 5 May 2015

Excavations reveal new terracotta army at ancient emperor’s tomb

News.com.au   May 4, 2015

Chinese archaeologists are working on uncovering more than 1400 well-preserved clay soldi
Chinese archaeologists are working on uncovering more than 1400 well-preserved clay soldiers dating from about 200BC. Source: China News Service Source: Supplied
CHINA’s famous terracotta army is about to be reinforced: Fresh excavations on a burial pit in the ancient capital, Xi’an are expected to uncover 1500 more of the live-sized clay figurines.
The excavation, which began last Thursday, is centred upon a 200sq/m patch of the 56sq/km underground mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Emperor Qinshihuang, who reigned in 221BC.
Source: China News Service
Source: China News Service Source: Supplied
Archaeologist Yuan Zhongyi told media that he anticipated the burial pit would contain 1400 more terracotta warriors and archers, along with about 90 horse-drawn chariots.
Progress has so far been promising, he said.: “Their colourful paint is also relatively well preserved.”
Source: China News Service
Source: China News Service Source: Supplied
The excavation site, known as “Pit No. 2”, has previously produced several particularly fine specimines — including one with a distinctive green-coloured face.
The number of clay figurines expected to be uncovered is based on the positioning and density of previous discoveries in the area.
Source: China News Service
Source: China News Service Source: Supplied
Previous excavations at the Shaaxi Province site uncovered more than 7000 warriors and horses since 1974.

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