How Tall are the Terracotta Warriors?

Uncover the impressive stature of these ancient guardians and what their height reveals about Qin Dynasty China.

Average Height and Range of the Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, are renowned for their life-size and remarkably detailed construction. The average height of the Terracotta Warriors is approximately 1.85 meters (6 feet), making them notably taller than the average person living during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).

Key Takeaways on Warrior Height:

Average Height: Most warriors stand around 1.85 meters (6 feet) tall.
Height Range: The figures range from approximately 1.7 meters (5 feet 7 inches) to 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches), with some exceptions.
Taller than Average Citizens: The warriors were significantly taller than the average Qin Dynasty citizen, who stood at roughly 1.66 meters (5 feet 5 inches).

Height Variations: Rank and Role

The height of each Terracotta Warrior isn't uniform; it varies significantly based on the warrior's rank and role within the army. This deliberate variation reflects the hierarchical structure of the Qin Dynasty's military.

Soldiers and Infantry

Standard soldiers, archers, and infantrymen typically range in height from 1.7 meters (5 feet 7 inches) to 1.9 meters (6 feet 3 inches). These figures represent the bulk of the Terracotta Army and are positioned in battle formations within the pits.

Commanders and Generals

The most striking difference in height is observed in the figures of commanders and generals. These statues can reach up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) tall, including their elaborate headdresses and platforms. Their imposing stature immediately distinguishes them as leaders within the army.

Charioteers and Cavalrymen

While specific heights for charioteers and cavalrymen may vary, they generally fall within the range of the standard soldiers. Their heights are often influenced by their posture and the equipment they are depicted with, such as horses or chariot components.

Why Are the Terracotta Warriors So Tall?

The imposing height of the Terracotta Warriors wasn't merely a matter of chance. Several factors contributed to this design choice:

Symbolic Representation of Power

The Qin Dynasty, under Emperor Qin Shi Huang, aimed to project an image of immense power and military might. Taller warriors symbolized strength, dominance, and the emperor's absolute authority. This was crucial for both inspiring his troops and intimidating his enemies, even in the afterlife.

Military Advantage in Close Combat

During the Qin Dynasty, close combat was a prevalent form of warfare. Taller soldiers would have possessed a physical advantage in hand-to-hand combat, with greater reach and potentially more strength. While the Terracotta Warriors are statues, they were modeled after real soldiers, likely reflecting the preference for taller individuals in the actual army.

Selection of Soldiers

After Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified China, he could draw upon a much larger population for his military. This wider selection pool likely made it easier to recruit taller and stronger individuals to serve as models for the Terracotta Army. Thus it makes sense the average height for soldiers was higher than that of a civilian.

Construction and Detail of the Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Army's creation involved a sophisticated process reflecting the Qin Dynasty's advanced craftsmanship. The warriors were primarily made from locally sourced clay, with each part – torso, head, limbs – molded separately before being assembled. The clay was yellowish and extracted from around the construction site. This local sourcing minimized transportation costs and ensured a ready supply of materials.

Assembly Line Production

The creation of the warriors employed a form of assembly line production. Different workshops likely specialized in different body parts. This modular approach allowed for efficiency and consistency in the mass production of thousands of figures. There is also the high liklihood that the heads were created by different sculptors, which would also make sense of their many differences in appearance.

Firing and Glazing

After assembly, the statues were fired in large kilns at temperatures reaching around 950-1050°C (1742-1922°F). This process hardened the clay, making the figures durable. Once fired, the warriors were painted with vibrant mineral-based pigments. Although much of the original color has faded over time, traces remain, indicating a once-colorful army. The pigments included colors like red, green, blue, purple, black, and white, derived from minerals such as cinnabar, malachite, azurite, and others. A lacquer, made from the sap of the Chinese lacquer tree, was applied as a base layer to help the pigments adhere and to provide a smooth surface.

Unique Features and Customization

Despite the assembly-line approach, each warrior possesses unique facial features, hairstyles, and expressions. This individuality suggests that artisans had some degree of freedom to personalize each statue, possibly modeling them after real soldiers. The warriors were equipped with real bronze weapons, including swords, spears, crossbows, and arrowheads. These weapons were incredibly sharp and well-preserved, showcasing the advanced metallurgy of the Qin Dynasty.

Weight of the Warriors

The average weight of a Terracotta Warrior is estimated to be around 160-200 kilograms (350-440 pounds). The weight varies depending on the size and specific features of each warrior, such as the presence of armor or additional clothing.

Planning Your Visit: Seeing the Warriors' Height in Person

To truly appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors, a visit to the site in Xi'an, China, is essential. Here's what you need to know:

Location and Access

The Terracotta Army is located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Xi'an city center. You can reach the site by public bus, taxi, or organized tour.

The Three Pits

The main excavation site consists of three pits: Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3. Pit 1 is the largest and contains the majority of the warriors, arrayed in battle formation. Pit 2 features cavalry and infantry units, while Pit 3 is believed to be the command center.

Viewing Platforms and Perspectives

Visitors can view the warriors from elevated platforms surrounding the pits. These platforms provide excellent vantage points for observing the scale and arrangement of the figures. You'll be able to clearly see the height differences between the various ranks.

Museum and Exhibits

In addition to the pits, the site includes a museum displaying artifacts recovered from the excavation, including weapons, chariot parts, and detailed information about the history and construction of the Terracotta Army. This provides further context for understanding the warriors' size and significance.

Best time to visit and how to get there

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) has direct flights from many international and domestic locations.

From the airport, you can take a taxi or the Airport Shuttle Bus to Xi'an city center.
From Xi'an Railway Station, take bus line 306 or a taxi to the Terracotta Army.
Organized tours are readily available and often include transportation and a guide.

The Terracotta Warriors in Modern Archaeological Context

Ongoing archaeological research continues to reveal new insights about the Terracotta Warriors, further refining our understanding of their height and construction. Modern techniques, such as 3D scanning and digital modeling, allow for precise measurements and detailed analysis of each figure.

Preservation Challenges

Preserving the Terracotta Warriors is an ongoing challenge. Exposure to air and humidity can cause the remaining paint to flake and fade. Archaeologists and conservators are constantly working to develop and implement new methods to protect and stabilize these fragile artifacts.

Statistical Analysis of Measurements

The heights of the Terracotta Warriors have been subject to statistical analysis, providing a more precise understanding of the average height and range. One study, mentioned previously, analyzed 734 excavated figures. Key findings from this analysis include:

Precise Height Range: 166.0 cm - 187.5 cm (excluding outliers like the Generals).
Average Height (excluding headdress): Approximately 176 cm.
Height Distribution: The majority of warriors fall within a relatively narrow height range, consistent with the idea of a standardized army.

Detailed Breakdown of Specific Terracotta Warrior Types

The Terracotta Army comprises a diverse range of military units, each with distinct roles, equipment, and, consequently, varying heights.

Infantrymen

These are the most numerous type of warrior, forming the backbone of the army. They are typically armed with spears, swords, or halberds.

Average Height: 175-185 cm (5'9" - 6'1")
Armor: Often depicted wearing lamellar armor, made of overlapping plates.

Standing Infantry:

These warriors hold their weapons, such as spears or swords, ready for action. This posture can slightly increase their apparent height.

Kneeling Infantry:

Some infantrymen are depicted in a kneeling position, likely representing soldiers firing crossbows. Their height in this pose is obviously lower, but their original standing height would fall within the average range.

Archers

Archers were a crucial part of the Qin army, providing ranged firepower. They are depicted in both standing and kneeling positions.

Average Height (Standing): 178-188 cm (5'10" - 6'2")
Average Height (Kneeling): Lower due to posture, but consistent with standing height when upright.
Equipment: Depicted with crossbows and quivers of arrows.

Standing Archers

These figures are often found in the outer ranks of formations, ready to unleash a volley of arrows.

Kneeling Archers

These archers are depicted in a kneeling position, providing a more stable firing platform and a lower profile.

Cavalrymen

The cavalry provided mobility and flanking power. They are depicted alongside their horses.

Average Height: 175-185 cm (5'9" - 6'1") (similar to infantry)
Armor: Typically wear lighter armor than infantry for greater agility.
Weapons: Equipped with swords and sometimes lances or spears.

Charioteers

Chariots were important command and attack platforms. Charioteers are depicted driving wooden chariots pulled by teams of four terracotta horses.

Average Height: 180-190 cm (5'11" - 6'3")
Role: Responsible for controlling the chariot and protecting the officers riding within.
Equipment: Often depicted with longer weapons to reach enemies from the chariot.

Generals

These are the tallest and most elaborately dressed figures, representing the high-ranking officers of the army.

Average Height: Up to 250 cm (8'2") (including headdress and platform)
Armor: Wear more ornate and detailed armor, signifying their status.
Headdress: Often have distinctive, tall headdresses that further enhance their height.

Table of Terracotta Warrior Heights and Roles

The table will give a very brief, simplified summary of what was stated above.

Warrior Type	Average Height (cm)	Average Height (ft & in)	Role
Infantryman	175-185	5'9" - 6'1"	Front-line soldiers
Archer (Standing)	178-188	5'10" - 6'2"	Ranged combat
Archer (Kneeling)	Variable (due to pose)	Variable (due to pose)	Ranged combat (stable position)
Cavalryman	175-185	5'9" - 6'1"	Mounted combat
Charioteer	180-190	5'11" - 6'3"	Chariot driver
General	Up to 250 (with headdress)	Up to 8'2" (with headdress)	High-ranking officer

Conclusion

The Terracotta Warriors' height is a crucial aspect of their design, reflecting both practical military considerations and the symbolic representation of power during the Qin Dynasty. The variations in height, meticulously crafted for each figure based on rank and role, offer valuable insights into the structure and hierarchy of the ancient Chinese army. A visit to the site provides a powerful visual experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale and grandeur of this remarkable archaeological treasure.

The Terracotta Army serves not just as a historical artifact, but as an insight into the cultural ambition of China's first emperor and his vision of empowered empire.