Asia 2005 Journal Day Twelve

Asia 2005 Journey Day Twelve
Xi'an, China

May 15, 2005: Overcast skies and warm. Today was one of the highlights of the Asian tour - Terracotta
Warriors. The story is well known and shown in a 360 degree movie at the site where farmers digging
a water well in 1974 discovered artifacts in their water bucket. The "pit" of warriors were used by the ruler
for his afterlife. It took 37 years to build the pits and equip it with terracotta warriors, commanders, generals,
horses, and chariots.

The type of local clay allowed the artisans to craft warriors that sound like steel when tapped. This has
allowed pieces to remain that can be restored. All "standing" warriors have been restored from pieces.
In fact, following conquerors attempted to burn the pit which resulted in the support beams losing their
strength and allowing the clay roof to cave in.

Only a partial amount of the warriors have been unearthed. Much of this was to due to the fact that
their original paint would oxidize within minutes after exposure to the light. All warriors have unique
faces and may have been modeled after the actual warriors. The warriors were brightly painted and
held hardware. "Eighth World Wonder" may be an applicable term.