The Clay Army

In 1974, while digging a well, some farmers in Lintong discovered three pits containing over 7,000 life-size clay figures. Adjacent to the burial tomb of the first Emperor Qin Shihuangdi, lies a spectacular clay army, which defies comparison. The first pit contained over 6,000 soldiers and a few horses and chariots. The second pit housed 1,400 soldiers and cavalry. And the third pit, 68 officers. There is also a fourth pit that was emptying, apparently unfinished due to his untimely death. The faces and clothing of each soldier is different, reflecting the vast differences in the armies from throughout China.

It was originally believed that each was an original work. They were actually made from a variety of molds containing the various body parts, which were then assembled. In assembly line fashion, hundreds of labors made and assembled the warriors in various poses and passed them down to the craftsman to complete. The artists would then cover the entire piece with thin layers of clay and sculpt the final details giving each soldier a unique appearance and personality.

The entire army stands at attention, as if awaiting the command to attack...somewhere in the next world.

Question

1.      What did they discover while digging a well?

2.      Where did they discover them?

3.      What was in the 1^st pit?

4.      What was in the 2^nd pit?

5.      What was in the 3^rd pit?

6.      What was in the 4^th pit and why?

7.      Why was each of the soldiers different?

8.      Why was the entire army standing at attention?