Viewing the Soldiers
This exhibition hall was built around the terracotta soldiers after their discovery in 1974. This is Pit #1, the largest of 3 pits and contains over 6,000 of the 8,000 figures in the terracotta army. The figures were built in the 2nd century B.C. under the direction of Emperor Qin, the first Emperor of China. He is the same Emperor who also supervised construction of the Great Wall of China.
During excavation it was recognized that all of the 8,000 figures had been ruined or destroyed. It is theorized that Chinese peasants attacked the collection in protest after the Emperor's death, and then tomb raiders caused more damage in years after. Only one figure, the archer, was retrieved in perfect condition and is exhibited separately in the museum.
Restoration of the soldiers has been an ongoing project since the 1970's and continues at a high priority today.