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The Terracotta Army is biggest mausoleum ever. Name refers to the Chinese terra cotta figures of warriors, chariots, and chariot and cavalry horses, associated with the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
The figures were discovered in 1974 by several local farmers near Xi'an. Current estimates are that in the three pits are about 7,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 calvary horses. The majority is still buried in the pits. The Terracotta Army was buried with the Emperor of Qin in 209-210 BC. According to sources construction of this mausoleum began in 246 BC and involved 700,000 workers. The tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi is near an earthen pyramid 76 meters tall and nearly 350 square meters. The tomb remains unopened, with hopes that it remains intact. Only 1% of the site is presently excavated. Qin Shi Huangdi’s necropolis complex was constructed to serve as an imperial compound or palace. In July 2007 it was determined, using remote sensing technology, that the mausoleum contains a 90-foot tall building built above the tomb, with four stepped walls, each having nine steps. Researchers theorized it was built "for the soul of the emperor to depart." The terracotta figure are life-like and life-sized. They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. The colored lacquer finish, molded faces, and real weapons and armor used in manufacturing these figures created a realistic appearance. The weapons were stolen shortly after the creation of the army and the coloring has mostly faded. It is believed that the terracotta warriors were based on true people as every face has different facial features and expressions.
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