Rare Terracotta Army general figure and chariot found in China: archaeologists' discovery could rewrite history

Deep in the ancient tombs of China' s first emperor, archaeologists have made a discovery that could rewrite the history of one of the world's most mysterious military forces. Among the famous Terracotta Army, found in 1974, scientists found a general, as well as two chariots, three clay horses, and additional statuettes.

The unexpected discovery was made in the second pit of a large mausoleum in Shaanxi province. The ancient terracotta warrior general was the first find of its kind after 30 years of excavations, TheSun reports.

A life-size sculpture of a senior army leader is unlike anything researchers have seen for decades, scholars say. It sheds new light on the organization and leadership of an army that was frozen in time for more than two millennia, historians say.

The figure of the general is distinguished by his ornate armor, exquisite headdress and characteristic posture, experts say. "Based on its location, we believe that this figure was probably the highest-ranking military commander of this unit," said Zhu Sihong, the excavation project manager.

The general was accompanied by two chariots, three clay horses, and two additional statuettes. "The arrangement of high-ranking officers in military uniforms reflected military strategy, such as the command system in the Qin Dynasty," said Janice Lee, an archaeologist at Oxford University Xiuzhen.

According to scientists, these artifacts offer a rare glimpse into the strategic formations and command structure of the Qin Dynasty military, which were created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.

The Terracotta Army, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, has long been one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of our time, experts say.

The Terracotta Army was accidentally discovered by local farmers digging a well. During the excavations, more than 2000 life-size statues were discovered. However, experts estimate that about 8000 figures remain buried.

Researchers emphasize that each of the found sculptures is unique. From infantrymen to cavalrymen and crossbowmen, the warriors were created with meticulous attention to detail and equipped with weapons such as swords and spears.

"These attributes on high-ranking officers indicate how special they are. The style and color of the jewelry reflected the symbols of aesthetic taste and social status of the time," Li added.

Excavation of the second pit began in 1994, and official excavations resumed in 2015.

According to the researchers, the latest discovery came at a time when the terracotta warriors are celebrating 50 years since their first excavation, which emphasizes the constant ability of this place to reveal new treasures.

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