In 1974 a Chinese farmer near Xian dug a well and broke through into an ancient tomb. He found a massive vault containing more than 6,000 figures in battle formation. They were warriors made of terra cotta.

The Warriors stood about five feet tall and each head and face was different. Each was clad in knee-length battle tunics.

It was like a tomb filled with toy soldiers but these were life size.   This emperor who lived near current day Xian ascended the throne in 246 AD

The Warriors once carried weapon,  but their weapons were long since plundered.

They found two more vaults, and one contained the Emperor’s cavalry. This included two bronze chariots.

Along with a guide from Xian, we view the opened vaults from above.   This is the other reason we traveled to China–to see the Terra-cotta Warriors near Xian.

Notice the faces of the men and how different they are from one another.

This emperor, the first to unify China, was strong and powerful; and he prepared his tomb for over 40 years. He  believed that he had to prepare for his afterlife since it lasted for eternity.  Tonremain powerful even into afterlife, this is how he prepared.

 
Earlier rulers buried their servants, wives, and protectors with them for the same reason. He changed this custom by having these statues buried with him instead.

 
Here is what the Chinese near found and how they excavated and proceeded.  It is an ongoing massive effort.

 

 

 

After the Warriors we drove back to the city of Xian and visited the old nine-mile Xian city wall. It encloses 14 square miles of the city.   It is over 50 feet wide at the bottom and 39 feet high.

 

 

 

 

Built in the 14th century, the wall has a moat, drawbridges, watch towers, corner towers and city gates.

 

 

 

 

We walked a ways on top of the Xian city wall in a misty rain.