What Is the Average Height of a Terracotta Warrior?
In the part of the tomb that has been excavated, thousands of sculptures of horses and warriors in full armor stand in battle formation. The warriors are life-size, with most about two meters (six feet) tall.
The Terracotta Army: An Overview
Discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well, the Terracotta Army is a vast collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE with the purpose of protecting the emperor in his afterlife.
The figures are life-sized, vary in height, and are remarkably realistic, each with unique facial features, hairstyles, and expressions. The army is a vast spectacle, and its sheer scale and detail are a testament to the power and ambition of the Qin dynasty.
The Height of the Terracotta Warriors
The height of the Terracotta Warriors varies depending on their rank and role within the army.
- Generals: The tallest figures are the generals, who stand over two meters (six and a half feet) tall. These figures are easily identifiable by their elaborate headdresses and armor.
- Infantry: The most common figures are the infantry, which make up the bulk of the army. These warriors are typically around 1.8 meters (six feet) tall.
- Archers and Other Specialists: The army also includes archers, cavalry, and other specialists. These figures vary in height, with some being shorter than the infantry and others being closer in height to the generals.
The Significance of the Warriors' Height
The varying heights of the Terracotta Warriors are not accidental. They were carefully designed to reflect the strict social hierarchy of the Qin dynasty.
The height of a warrior was a symbol of his rank and status. Generals, being at the top of the military hierarchy, were given the tallest and most impressive figures. This served to emphasize their authority and importance.
The average height of the warriors also reflects the physical stature of the people of Qin dynasty China. While the warriors are often described as being "life-sized," they are actually slightly taller than the average person living in China during the 3rd century BCE. This is likely because the warriors were intended to be imposing figures, representing the might of the Qin army.
FAQs
1. Are all the Terracotta Warriors the same height?
No, the height of the Terracotta Warriors varies depending on their rank and role within the army. Generals are the tallest, followed by infantry, and then other specialists like archers.
2. Why were the Terracotta Warriors made different heights?
The varying heights of the Terracotta Warriors were designed to reflect the strict social hierarchy of the Qin dynasty, with height serving as a symbol of rank and status.
3. What is the significance of the Terracotta Army's height?
The height of the Terracotta Warriors not only reflects the social hierarchy of the Qin dynasty but also serves as a representation of the physical stature and might of the Qin army.