New terracotta warriors uncovered at emperor’s mausoleum

More than 220 new terracotta warriors with five different official titles, including senior military ranks, have been unearthed during the third excavation at the Mausoleum of the Emperor Qinshihuang.

Credit: Emperor Qin Shi Emperor's Mausoleum

A new military rank, dubbed "lower than the lowest," was found by archaeologists at the site, according to a report of Shaanxi TV station based in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Credit: Emperor Qin Shi Emperor's Mausoleum

"The terracotta warriors in the mausoleum are lined up the same way as real soldiers thousands of years ago in the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC) and so that archaeologists can research real military systems of the dynasty with these excavated warriors," Liu Zheng, a member of the China Cultural Relics Academy, told the Global Times.

Credit: Emperor Qin Shi Emperor's Mausoleum

The third excavation for Pit One of the mausoleum has been underway for 10 years, according to Liu. This round of excavation covered some 400 square metres, the Beijing Youth reported, citing sources with the mausoleum.

Credit: Emperor Qin Shi Emperor's Mausoleum

Senior military officers in the Qin Dynasty stood at the front with swords in their hands, Liu explained. Their hair accessories are different from subordinates, he said.

Credit: Emperor Qin Shi Emperor's Mausoleum

Twelve horses and weapons were also found during this round of excavation. The colours were well preserved, Liu noted.

Credit: Emperor Qin Shi Emperor's Mausoleum

"When these pottery figurines were first excavated, they were mostly coloured, with red belts and dark armour, but we lacked preservation skills and the colours faded," he said.

Credit: Emperor Qin Shi Emperor's Mausoleum

"But this time improved technologies are enabling the newly found figurines to retain their vivid colours."

"Exhibition, excavation and conservation of the mausoleum are proceeding at the same time," Liu said.