Ancient Chariots Unearthed Near Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum in Xi’an

Xi’an, nestled in Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, once again stands testament to China’s rich historical tapestry. Recent excavations near the mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-206 BC) unveiled a treasure trove of ancient chariots, offering a deeper understanding of early burial customs during this period.

At the heart of this discovery was a four-wheeled wooden chariot, remarkably well-preserved, adorned with a meticulously crafted rectangular umbrella. This chariot holds the distinction of being the earliest of its kind ever unearthed in China. Shaanxi TV highlighted the chariot’s significance, emphasizing how it offers a priceless primary source material, providing insights into early large burial vehicles and their associated rituals.

As the excavation process continued, the archaeologists unearthed several pits surrounding the main chariot pit. These ancillary pits, they discerned, were closely tied to the chariots and horses deployed in burial ceremonies. These pits, in their uniqueness, revealed a myriad of chariots in different configurations, alongside varying numbers of horse remains. Such findings present a clearer picture of the distinctions and purposes of single and double-axle chariots during the Qin Dynasty.

Among the various treasures unearthed, the “six-sheep” carriage stood out due to its rarity in archaeological annals. This burial pit housed the skeletons of six sheep, meticulously aligned. While the passage of time has eroded the primary body of the carriage, the remnants of accessories designed for hauling the carriage hinted at its intended purpose.

Historical annals recount an intriguing tale of Emperor Sima Yan of the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316). It’s said that the Emperor would embark on evening sojourns within his palace complex using a carriage hauled by sheep. Whichever palace the sheep chose to halt in front of became the Emperor’s chosen resting place for the night. This historical account offers the earliest mention of such a “sheep carriage.”

Jiang Wenxiao, who spearheaded the archaeological endeavor, expressed the sheer rarity of unearthing a “sheep carriage” in the realm of Chinese archaeology.

Furthermore, the excavation site was abundant with artifacts related to copper chariots and horses. Iron tools and copper weaponry accompanied these relics, signaling the dawn of the era when iron tools began to gain prominence.

As the meticulous exploration of the tomb continues, laboratory analyses of the burial chamber are in progress. The archaeological community is eagerly anticipating further findings, hopeful of unearthing artifacts that might unveil the tomb occupant’s identity.

It’s worth noting that in 2020, this very tomb offered yet another significant discovery: the earliest known gold and silver camel figurines in China.

This momentous revelation was shared at the 4th Congress of Chinese Archaeology, which recently commenced in Xi’an. The event drew a gathering of over 800 archaeologists, both local and international, for an intense three-day exploration of China’s ancient history.

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