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What is the biggest challenge facing the preservation of the Terracotta warriors today?

Tad Santhouse

The Terracotta Warriors are a priceless treasure that has survived centuries, and they are an irreplaceable artifact that demands conservation today. Despite their significance, they are threatened by several challenges that hinder their preservation. In this post, we shall explore the primary challenge facing the preservation of the Terracotta warriors today.

The Terracotta Warriors were discovered in Chang'an village during the construction of a water well in 1974. It is estimated that these warriors are over 2,000 years old. They are made of pottery, and they were crafted to guard the tomb of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The complex started in 246 BC and took over 700,000 workers to build, with all the workers recruited from across the empire. The warriors stand guard over the tomb’s entrance, and there are over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses. However, the survival of these artifacts is threatened by many factors.

The most significant challenge facing the preservation of the Terracotta Warriors today is the increase in the number of tourists visiting the site. In 1979, the Terracotta Warriors were opened to tourists from across the globe, and today, it is estimated that over two million tourists visit this site annually. The increase in the number of tourists has led to a rise in humidity and temperature levels within the museum, thereby posing a significant threat to the preservation of the artifacts.

Furthermore, the increase in the number of tourists visiting the site has significantly increased the wear and tear on the delicate structures. Visitors often touch and climb on the artifacts, causing cracks and damage to the pieces. The more tourists that visit the site, various body oils, and chemicals from perfumes, cosmetics, etc., are deposited on the artifacts, which can cause the porous material to become discolored and lose some of its original features.

Additionally, the impact of environmental factors such as changes in temperature, humidity, and light exposure, can harm the delicate structure of the warriors. The constant changes create a stressful environment for the artifacts, leading to the degradation of the surface and cracking of the pieces. Finally, the use of chemicals and pesticides in the surrounding farmlands is another significant challenge for the preservation of the site. The chemicals used in agriculture lead to a disruption of the soil's natural microorganisms, which can affect the stability of the site and lead to soil erosion.

In conclusion, the biggest challenge facing the preservation of the Terracotta Warriors is the increase in the number of tourists visiting the site. The volume of people visiting the site alone creates challenges in terms of restoration, conservation, and overall reparation of the warriors. As responsible tourists, it is essential to respect and adhere to the guidelines that are in place when visiting such sites. We also recommend that the tourism authorities limit the number of visitors, implement new security technologies, and use sustainable energy sources to reduce the environmental impact and the negative effects that tourism has on the preservation of the Terracotta Warriors.