Were the Terracotta Army Buried Alive?
The Terracotta Army: An Army of Clay
No, the Terracotta Army were not buried alive. They were never alive to begin with! The figures that make up the magnificent Terracotta Army are sculptures made from clay. Each warrior, chariot, and horse was painstakingly crafted by hand over 2,000 years ago. The sheer scale of the project, with thousands of life-sized figures, is a testament to the skill and organization of the ancient Chinese artisans.
The Purpose of the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army was built to accompany the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. The emperor believed that just as his army had protected him in life, they would continue to do so in the afterlife. This belief in an afterlife mirrored in many ancient cultures, explains why the Terracotta Army was equipped with actual weapons and chariots and positioned in battle formation.
Human Sacrifice in Ancient China
While the Terracotta Army is a testament to artistry, it is important to acknowledge the darker side of burial practices during that era. Before and during the Qin dynasty, it was not uncommon for rulers to be buried with servants, concubines, and even officials as human sacrifices. These individuals were often buried alive to serve their ruler in the afterlife.
The Shift From Human Sacrifice to Symbolic Offerings
The creation of the Terracotta Army can be interpreted as a move away from the brutal practice of human sacrifice. Instead of burying actual people, Emperor Qin Shi Huang chose to have representations of them made. This shift suggests a changing social consciousness, perhaps a growing sense of the value of human life.
FAQs
Q1: How many Terracotta Warriors are there?
A: It's estimated that there are over 8,000 terracotta figures, including warriors, horses, and chariots, buried in the three pits that make up the Terracotta Army complex.
Q2: Why haven't all the Terracotta Warriors been excavated?
A: Preservation is a key concern. Archaeologists are working slowly and carefully to unearth and preserve the figures, using advanced techniques to protect the delicate paint and materials from deterioration.
Q3: Were the Terracotta Warriors originally painted?
A: Yes, the Terracotta Army was originally painted in vibrant colors. However, much of the paint has flaked off over the centuries due to exposure to air and moisture. Despite this, traces of the original pigments reveal a stunningly colorful and lifelike army.