Researchers uncover ‘lost’ Terracotta warriors in secret tomb

Archaeologists have made an astounding discovered around the secret tomb of China’s first emperor built more than 2000 years ago.

Researchers have unearthed more than 20 Terracotta warriors built to ‘protect’ China’s first Emperor, according to a new report.

China’s ancient Terracotta Army just grew larger by nearly two dozen sculpted warriors this past Friday, The US Sun reports.

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Researchers have unearthed nearly two dozen Terracotta warriors. Picture: iStock

Archaeologists excavated the new trove of soldiers about a mile northeast of the mausoleum of China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang, located in the Lintong District of Xi’an.

The latest soldiers were uncovered in “Pit One” of the Terracotta army, and are mostly considered to be in good condition, according to the China Global Television Network (CGTN).

The set of sculpted figures features a general statue with elaborate headgear and a middle-ranking army officer statue.

The painted pottery figures – some of which are in pieces – are currently undergoing a common restoration process, according to Live Science.

The newly uncovered trove in Pit One is thought to be of significance to researchers as it may help them gain insight into military arrangements and practices from that time.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 B.C. to 210 B.C.), who unified China in 221 B.C., is thought to have had an army of around 8000 Terracotta soldiers created.

The Terracotta Army has been dubbed the eighth wonder of the ancient world. Picture: iStock

Researchers believe the ancient Chinese emperor had the soldiers built to protect him in the afterlife.

To date, archaeologists have uncovered about 2000 life-size soldier statues.

Many of the warriors have also been uncovered with weapons such as crossbows, spears, and swords.

The Terracotta Army site was first unearthed by researchers in 1974 and has been frequently been dubbed the world’s eighth ancient wonder.

This article originally appeared in The US Sun and was reproduced with permission