| What probably put Xi'an on the "world famous" map is the Terra-Cotta Warriors. These clay soldiers were constructed around 200 B.C. by a decree from Emperor Qin. They were to be his escort into the afterlife. To date, 5 pits of clay figures have been unearthed. In them you find warriors in different positions holding a variety of weapons (since decayed, except for the generals' swords). Some of the pits have unveiled domestic scenes as well, but they are outnumbered and not on display. All of the figures were originally painted (almost discernable in this picture). |
