The excavation also made clear that the pit had seven layers and was set on fire, as archaeologists found traces of burns on the clay warriors and the walls of the pit.

The newly found figures were between 1.8 and 2 meters tall, a mystery archaeologists are still trying to understand.

"We're not certain whether people who lived in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) were actually that tall, or the craftsmen exaggerated their height," Xu said.

An army officer also stood out in the excavation. Except for his broken head, the figure was one of the best preserved ones unearthed this time, he said.

Besides the Terracotta Warriors, archaeologists also found piles of charcoal that was believed to be grain in ancient times, said Zhang Tianzhu, deputy head of the excavation team.

On the two chariots, archaeologists found three "suitcases" that were made of a fabric similar to silk. Similar fabric was found on the drum, Xu said.

"It provides important clues for further research on textiles and industry in the Qin Dynasty."

The No 1 pit is said to contain about 6,000 life-sized Terracotta figures, more than 1,000 of which were found in previous excavations.

Experts believe the emperor had hoped the army would help him rule in the afterlife.

The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by peasants who were digging a well.

The first formal excavation of the site lasted for six years from 1978 to 1984 and produced 1,087 clay figures. A second excavation in 1985 lasted a year but was cut short for technical reasons.

The Terracotta Army, listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in December 1987, has turned Xi'an into one of China's major tourist attractions.