What is the Terracotta Army?

The Terracotta Army, also known as the "Terracotta Army of the First Emperor of Qin" or simply the "Qin Terracotta Army," represents a significant archaeological discovery and a testament to the grandeur of ancient Chinese civilization. As one of the first sites to be listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Terracotta Army draws millions of visitors annually. Situated approximately 1.5 kilometers east of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in Lintong District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China, the Terracotta Army has captivated world leaders, historians, and tourists alike. Having welcomed over 200 heads of state and government officials, it stands as a symbol of China's glorious ancient civilization and is widely recognized as one of the top ten rare treasures of ancient tombs worldwide.

Historical Background

The practice of human sacrifice, a brutal and barbaric burial custom, emerged during the disintegration of the primitive communal system and became prevalent with the establishment of the slave system. The Shang Dynasty witnessed the most rampant period of human sacrifice, with numerous human victims buried alive with deceased Shang nobles as a form of companionship in the afterlife. Archaeological excavations in the Yinxu Royal Tomb area in Anyang have unearthed over 5,000 individuals who were either buried alive or killed as sacrifices in more than a dozen large tombs.

The Zhou Dynasty, learning from the tyrannical rule of the Shang, emphasized "illustrious virtue and protecting the people." With the emergence and promotion of Zhou rituals, human sacrifice was significantly suppressed but not eradicated entirely. During the tumultuous Spring and Autumn period, as states vied for power, the practice resurfaced. However, during the Warring States period, various states gradually abolished human sacrifice. In 381 BC, Duke Xian of Qin officially prohibited human sacrifice in the state of Qin.

The social transformations during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods led to changes in burial customs. The practice of burying replicas of the deceased's entourage and possessions, known as "yong," gained prominence. Initially, "yong" referred to human sacrifices. However, as human sacrifice gradually faded from practice, the term came to represent the pottery, stone sculptures, and figurines placed in tombs. The Qin Terracotta Army stands as a prime example of this transition, representing the pinnacle of replacing human sacrifices with "yong." The remarkable scale and realism achieved in these figures can be attributed to the skill of the artisans involved as well as the vision of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China, who sought to maintain his power and influence even in death.

Historical Evolution

Historical records, such as the "Records of the Grand Historian," indicate that the construction of the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang was a massive undertaking overseen by Li Si, the Chancellor, and supervised by General Zhang Han. The construction process spanned an impressive 39 years. The Terracotta Army, an integral part of the mausoleum complex, was crafted and interred within designated burial pits alongside the emperor's tomb.

In 206 BC, during the reign of Ziying, the last ruler of the Qin dynasty, the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang faced its first and most devastating disaster. Historical accounts, including the "Records of the Grand Historian," the "Book of Han," and the "Biography of Prince Yuan of Chu" in the "Book of Han," recount the events following Xiang Yu's conquest of Guanzhong. Driven by a desire to eradicate remnants of the Qin dynasty, Xiang Yu orchestrated a large-scale destruction of the mausoleum complex, resulting in significant damage to its surface structures. Archaeological evidence, including traces of black charcoal found in Pit 1 and Pit 2 of the Terracotta Army, suggests that their collapse resulted from intentional fires set during this period.

Centuries later, in March 1974, farmers from Xiyang Village in Lintong County stumbled upon fragments of life-sized pottery figures while digging a well approximately 1.5 kilometers east of the mausoleum. The discovery of these extraordinary artifacts, remarkably similar in appearance to real humans, prompted further investigation by the Shaanxi Provincial Archaeological Team. Explorations and trial excavations revealed the existence of the Terracotta Army pits, bringing these long-lost treasures back to light.

Formal excavation efforts commenced in July 1974, marking the beginning of an extensive archaeological endeavor that continues to this day. By December 1987, the significance of the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and the Terracotta Army was recognized globally when UNESCO inscribed them on the World Heritage List. This prestigious designation solidified their status as one of the most remarkable archaeological sites worldwide, often dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

In subsequent years, the Terracotta Army site has witnessed ongoing archaeological investigations, research, and conservation efforts. A third large-scale excavation of Pit 1 began in June 2009, aiming to uncover more of its secrets and enhance our understanding of the Qin army's organization, weaponry, and cultural practices.

More recently, in January 2022, a collaborative research project between the School of Cultural Heritage at Northwest University and the Museum of the Terracotta Army revealed fascinating insights into the materials used in creating these ancient wonders. Published in the international journal "Archaeometry," the study revealed the discovery of a versatile composite material used on the Terracotta Army figures. This finding suggests a higher level of technological sophistication in ancient Chinese material science than previously understood.

Architectural Structure

The Terracotta Army pits, positioned to the east of the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, are arranged in a distinctive "pin" formation, resembling the three points of a Chinese chess piece. Pit 1, the first to be unearthed, features a rectangular layout spanning an expansive area. Inside, rows upon rows of over 8,000 terracotta warriors and horses stand in military formation, their sheer number a testament to the emperor's desire for a formidable afterlife guard. Sloping passageways on each side provide access to the pit's interior. Flanking Pit 1 on either side are Pit 2 and Pit 3, completing the "pin" configuration.

These subterranean pits represent remarkable feats of ancient Chinese engineering and construction. To create these underground chambers, laborers dug vast pits, each reaching a depth of approximately 5 meters. Parallel earthen walls, supported by wooden pillars and beams, were erected within the pits to create a grid-like structure. Wooden planks were then laid atop the beams, forming a ceiling over the earthen walls. A layer of reed mats and a final covering of compacted earth completed the roof structure, which rose approximately 2 meters above the then-existing ground level. The pit floors were paved with grey bricks, and once the terracotta figures were placed inside, wooden beams sealed the passageways, and the remaining space was filled with rammed earth, effectively sealing the pits underground. This ingenious construction method ensured the preservation of the figures for millennia, shielding them from the elements and potential looters.

Archaeological Findings

The discovery and subsequent excavation of the Terracotta Army pits between 1974 and 1977 unearthed an astounding collection of artifacts that have significantly contributed to our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization, military practices, and burial rituals. Located approximately 1 kilometer east of the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the pits yielded a wealth of information about the Qin army's composition, weaponry, armor, and military tactics.

Pit 1:

The unearthing of Pit 1 began rather serendipitously in March 1974 when villagers from Xiayang Village stumbled upon fragments of terracotta figures while digging a well. The well's location, coincidentally positioned at the southeastern corner of Pit 1, marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. By mid-July 1974, a collaborative archaeological team consisting of members from the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, the Cultural Relics Management Committee, and the Lintong County Cultural Center began formal excavation efforts at the site.

Pit 1, the largest of the three excavated pits, stretches an impressive 230 meters in length and 62 meters in width, encompassing an expansive area of 14,260 square meters. Within this vast underground chamber, archaeologists uncovered an estimated 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures, each meticulously crafted with unique facial features, hairstyles, armor, and weaponry.

Pit 2:

Unlike the accidental discovery of Pit 1, the finding of Pit 2 in April 1976 can be attributed to a systematic and targeted archaeological approach. Utilizing drilling techniques, archaeologists surveyed the area surrounding Pit 1, leading to the exciting revelation of another burial pit housing terracotta figures.

Excavations at Pit 2 commenced in earnest on March 1, 1994, following the completion of a protective hall over the site. The excavation project garnered significant attention and support, with the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China establishing a dedicated expert group to oversee the scientific and meticulous excavation process.

Pit 2, with its unique L-shape, is situated northeast of Pit 1 and east of Pit 3. Measuring approximately 96 meters long and 84 meters wide, it covers an area of about 6,000 square meters. Although similar in construction to Pit 1, Pit 2 exhibits a more intricate arrangement of figures and a greater diversity of military units, making it arguably the most awe-inspiring of the three excavated pits.

Within Pit 2's confines, archaeologists discovered a formidable force comprising cavalry, chariots, and infantry, including specialized crossbow units. The presence of these distinct military branches within a single pit provides invaluable insights into the organization and tactical flexibility of the Qin army.

Pit 3:

Continuing their systematic exploration of the area surrounding Pit 1, archaeologists made yet another significant discovery on May 11, 1976. Through drilling techniques, they identified a third burial pit, situated 25 meters north of Pit 1 and 120 meters east of Pit 2. This pit, designated as Pit 3, is the smallest of the three, with a surface area of approximately 520 square meters.

Unlike the rectangular layouts of Pits 1 and 2, Pit 3 features a distinctive U-shaped design, comprising two flanking wings, or "side chambers," and a central "chariot-and-horse chamber." This unique layout, along with the presence of high-ranking officers and a chariot drawn by four horses, suggests that Pit 3 may have served as a command post for the terracotta army.

Pit 4:

Intriguingly, although designated as Pit 4, this pit stands out as an anomaly within the Terracotta Army complex. Unlike the other three pits, which yielded a treasure trove of terracotta figures, Pit 4 remains empty, containing only backfilled earth. Archaeologists speculate that the construction of Pit 4 may have been abandoned prematurely due to various factors, including the peasant uprisings that marked the end of the Qin dynasty.

The discovery and ongoing excavation of the Terracotta Army pits have captivated the world, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the military might and artistic ingenuity of ancient China. The sheer scale of the site, the meticulous craftsmanship of the figures, and the wealth of information they provide continue to shape our understanding of the Qin dynasty and its enduring legacy.

Three Sample Q&As:

Q1: Why was the Terracotta Army created?

A1: The Terracotta Army was created to accompany Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, in the afterlife. It served as a symbolic guardian force, showcasing his power and ambition even in death. The figures were meant to protect and serve him in the next world.

Q2: How many pits are there in the Terracotta Army site?

A2: There are four known pits at the Terracotta Army site, although only three have been fully excavated. Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3 contain thousands of terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots. Pit 4, however, remains empty, and archaeologists believe its construction may have been abandoned before completion.

Q3: What is the significance of the different types of soldiers and their formations in the Terracotta Army pits?

A3: The different types of soldiers, their armor, weapons, and formations reflect the actual military organization and tactics of the Qin army. This meticulous attention to detail provides invaluable insights into the military strategies and capabilities of ancient China. For instance, the presence of archers, infantry, and cavalry in distinct formations highlights the Qin army's versatility and strategic depth on the battlefield.