What are the secrets of the Terracotta Army?
China's terracotta army is one of the biggest archaeological finds of the 20th century. The clay sculptures, which date back two millennia, were discovered 50 years ago and continue to be unearthed today — all 8,000 of them and counting.
The Discovery That Astounded The World
In the spring of 1974, a group of farmers digging a well in Xi'an, China stumbled upon a collection of life-sized terracotta figures buried beneath the fields. This marked the beginning of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century - the Terracotta Army.
Guardians of the Afterlife
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 and highly realistic, with each soldier possessing unique facial features, hairstyles, and armor. This attention to detail suggests a sophisticated understanding of human anatomy and a desire to create a truly lifelike army for the emperor's afterlife.
The Mysteries of the Terracotta Army
Despite their prominence in the archaeological world, the Terracotta Army continues to be shrouded in mystery. Some of the most pressing questions archaeologists grapple with include:
The True Extent of the Army
While over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses have been unearthed, experts believe these represent only a fraction of the total number. Estimates suggest the actual number could be closer to 80,000, with vast sections of the burial site remaining unexplored.
Individuality in the Ranks
One of the most captivating aspects of the Terracotta Army is the incredible detail and individuality of each figure. This has led to speculation about whether the soldiers were modeled on real individuals, perhaps members of Qin Shi Huang's actual army.
Lost Secrets of Their Creation
The craftsmanship of the Terracotta Army points to advanced knowledge of pottery and bronze casting. However, the exact techniques used to create these figures remain a source of debate among experts.
An Enduring Legacy
The Terracotta Army stands as a testament to the power and ambition of Qin Shi Huang and the extraordinary artistry of ancient China. Its discovery has not only revolutionized our understanding of this period but also provided valuable insights into the military practices, social hierarchy, and artistic brilliance of the Qin dynasty.
Questions and Answers
Q: Why was the Terracotta Army built?
A: The Terracotta Army was built to accompany the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in his afterlife. The soldiers were meant to protect him and serve him in the next world, reflecting the importance given to the afterlife in ancient Chinese culture.
Q: What are the Terracotta Warriors made of?
A: The Terracotta Army figures are primarily made of terracotta, a type of earthenware clay. After being sculpted and detailed, the figures were fired in kilns at high temperatures, hardening the clay and giving them their distinctive reddish-brown color.
Q: How were the Terracotta Warriors preserved for so long?
A: The remarkable preservation of the Terracotta Army is largely due to the way they were buried. They were placed within underground vaults and protected by layers of earth and brick, shielding them from the elements and natural decay for centuries.