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Information about the new archaeological treasures-figures unearthed from Western Han Emperor Liu Qi's mausoleum in xianyang county, Xi'an.

Figures Unearthed from Liu Qi's Tomb

Following the great excavation of Qinshihuang's mausoleum in Lintong county, Xi'an, archaeologists have discovered many rare treasures from Western Han Emperor Liu Qi's mausoleum in Xi'an.

Unique Structure of Western Han Emperor Liu Qi's Mausoleum

Western Han Emperor Liu Qi's mausoleum is located north of Zhangjiawan Village, Xianyang. The Chinese began constructing the mausoleum in 153 BC and finished when the Empress died in 126 BC. The mausoleum is six kilometers long from west to east and, at its widest point, measures three kilometers from north to south. The mausoleum comprises the Emperor's tomb, Empress's tomb ( smaller than the Emperor's), a temple, a burial pit, and tombs of criminal offenders. The layout of the tombs resembles the Chinese character for " Asia." This is the first mausoleum among the 11 Han Dynasty mausoleums excavated that has such a shape.

Figures Unearthed from Liu Qi's Tomb

Archaeologists have discovered 0.6-meter-tall painted pottery figures in Emperor Liu Qi's tomb. Most of the figures are naked and have no arms. Expert believe these naked figures used to have movable wooden arms for putting on clothes as well as decorative hair. Notably, archaeologists have also found several hundred women warriors in the attendant tombs.

Other new finds include painted pottery animals neatly arranged along the bottom of the pits, 7 meters underground. The goats were either black or orange-yellow. The wolves were in attacking positions with their tails down, eyes open wide, and ears alert. The dogs look more like adorable pets, though, and were sculpted with their tails coiled up. Most of the dogs are either yellow, black, or white. Cute piglets measuring 16 centimeters tall have also been found.

Most of these artifacts are on display at the Museum of the Western Han Emperor Liu Qi's Tomb. The museum has attracted many tourists since its opening in Sept. 1999

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