Photos: Earth >> Asia >> China >> Central >> Shaanxi >> Xian

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A horse with no name


A horse with no name
Photo Information
Copyright: Michel Detay (mdetay) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 505 W: 3 N: 857] (3926)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2004-12-28
Categories: Ruins
Camera: Nikon D100, 17-55mm f/2.8
Exposure: f/2.8, 1/10 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Map: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-06-07 9:49
Viewed: 708
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Xian is the capital of Shaanxi province, located in the southern part of the Guanzhong Plain.

The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, Lintong County, Shaanxi province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China

Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had work begun on his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his after life. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb in 1974. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. They came to Xian in droves to study and to extend the digs. They had established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211 --206 BC).
The cultural and historical significance of the area, as well as the abundant relics and sites, help Xian enjoy the laudatory title of 'Natural History Museum'.

This picture is taken in Terra Cotta Pit No. 1. It is oblong: 230 meters east to west, and 62 meters north to south. At a depth of five meters, it is cavern-like and constructed from earth and wood. Five slopping entrances reach down to it from the east and west. Ten partitioning walls separate the underground army into different columns. The walls are reinforced by stout beams, which are covered by reeds and earth.

The floor is paved with black bricks. There are more than 6,000 terracotta warriors and horses in Pit No. 1, marshaled into battle line formation. Three columns facing out on the east act as vanguard. Each squad is 70 strong, making it 210 troopers altogether. They flank out left and right on the south and the north. The rear guard is on the west. They are armed with crossbows

I saw few pictures in TE about this site so I decided to post some. This one is focused on the troops. Not that easy without a tripod at 1/10 f/2,8. Please enjoy!
gsimon, vagabondtravels, jrj, mightyweed has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Excellent picture
Great composition and focus
Great NOTE as well
I hope to see more
TFS
Greg

Good color and sharpness given the lighting conditions. Nice comp and a great photographers note. Well done.

Ben

  • Great 
  • jrj Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5517 W: 498 N: 7281] (33096)
  • [2006-06-08 9:03]

Hi michel
I like this detail from the great exhibition hall. Good cut, well disposed and with lots of interesting details. Nice work

You are right: what a discovery...what a scale of the art project here...I would like to see it...thank you for fantastic description and a very good picture..great colors..

Nice picture but Xi'an is in Shaanxi, not in Shanxi. I'll be leaving soon for Shanxi and was looking for pictures and all of yours are in the wrong spot...
Anyway sharp and nice colors you have here.
David

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