Qin Shi Huang
Terracotta Warrior
The Terracotta Warriors are the most significant archeological
excavations of the 20th century. Although South Bute is 5086 miles
west of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum in Lintong County,
Shaanxi province, (site of the other Terracotta Warriors), this
extraordinary place must not to be missed by the visitor to
Bute.
It's history is unclear, however we do know that upon ascending
the throne at the age of 13 (following a holiday in Rothesay during
the Glasgow Fair Fortnight), Qin Shi Huang, Emperor of all China,
had work started on his own mausoleum. Heavily influenced by this
South Bute site, it took 11 years to finish.
In Shaanxi province in 1974, a group of peasants uncovered some
pottery while digging for a well near to the royal tomb. It caught
the attention of archeologists immediately who came to Xian in
droves to study the finds and to extend the digs. They established
beyond doubt that the Lintong artifacts were associated with the
Qin Dynasty.
The Bute Terracotta Warriors have not attracted such attention.
Until now.
The cache is hidden in a rocky outcrop off the West Island Way.
Park at N55 44.824 W5 00.948, and pick up the path heading south.
The path can be treacherous when wet, (I routinely use two walking
poles on this stretch -it beats falling!)
Head for N55 43.907 W5 00.524, then follow the track up the
hill. You should aim for N55 44.059 W5 00.662 before clambering up
to this one. (You will see what I mean when you get there!!)