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Types of Terracotta Army

More than 7,000 terracotta warriors have been discovered and each differs in its facial expression, dress, hairstyle, posture, weapon and position, in accordance with rank or service level. Based on the above information, archaeologists divided warriors into the following types: infantry, cavalry, and charioteers; along with terracotta horses.

the Types of Terracotta Warriors

Infantry Warriors

There are more infantry warriors than others, around 7,000. They can be separated into two types: officer and soldier. Officers have three ranks; namely high-rank, middle-rank and low-rank. And soldiers include lightly-armed soldiers, heavily-armed soldiers, standing archers and kneeling archers.

After discovering pit 1, archaeologists began to research and protect the site, as well as finding other relics. In 1976, pit 2 was excavated with 1,000 warriors in the chariot cavalry corps, and unveiled to the public in 1994. Pit 3 was found in 1976 and opened to visitors in 1987. In December 1987, the site was listed as a world cultural site.

Standing archers are found in pit 2 and they are all in light armor, with open shoes and leather belt, which make them flexible and mobile in battle. Kneeling archers are also in pit 2 and they all kneel on their right leg and bend the other, as if showing respect or ready to fight.

Cavalry Warriors

Cavalry Warriors

There are 116 cavalry warriors in pits 1 and 2, all standing in front of their horses. Cavalrymen are life-sized, at around 1.8 meters in height. Their dress is obviously different from infantry and chariot warriors.

They all wear round caps, neck scarves, tight-sleeved robes, long pants, short boots, short and light body armor, which is the ordinary dress of the northern nomadic people of the Qin dynasty. One hand holds the horse reins while the other holds a bow.

Charioteers

Charioteers

There are two types of charioteer: chariot drivers and chariot warriors. Chariot drivers wear robes with armor, helmets and leg guards. They also use special armor as extra protection for outstretched arms and hands when controlling the horse’s reigns. Their arms were positioned to drive the chariots.

Chariot warriors are equipped with different weapons and stand near the chariots, serving to protect the chariots.

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More about Terracotta Army

Information about the Qin Dynasty