Photos

Xi'an Terracotta Army, China
(from http://www.lonelyplanet.com)

In 1974, peasants digging a well in the northern Chinese city of Xi'an were disappointed in their search for water. Instead, they uncovered the major archaeological discovery of the 20th century: An underground vault that for over two millennia had been home to more than 8000 beautifully crafted, life-size terracotta soldiers. Xi'an, a dusty industrial city in the province of Shaanxi, suddenly had one of the world's premier tourist attractions.

For 2200 years the Xi'an terracotta warriors silently guarded the tomb of Qin Shihuang, first Emperor of China, remembered chiefly for uniting China in 222 BC thanks to a judicious mix of torture, murder and cruelty. By the time he'd pulled the country together, standardised the currency and made a good start on the Great Wall of China, the Emperor had made more than a few enemies. None could touch him while he strutted the earth, but he feared the afterlife was a different story. To ensure his safety from the petulant gods of the netherworld, Shihuang had a terracotta army made and buried with him in a massive tomb to protect and follow him into immortality.

The warriors stand five to six feet tall and were originally painted in bright colours (now faded to white). Although they look similar at first glance, they're frozen in different poses and garbed in outfits ranging from armour and belted tunics to coats of chain mail and wind-proof caps. Closer scrutiny reveals slight differences in their complexions, expressions, ages, hairstyles and beards. Emperor Shihuang had the best artisans of the day create the warriors, and walking among the figures can be an unnerving experience - like mixing with the dead of another time.

Shihuang was a cruel emperor who ordered those working on the project to be buried alive with him so that no secrets of the tomb could be revealed. If there were Gods in the afterlife stalking him, let's hope his army didn't help.