The Chinese Clay Army is a 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 and whose purpose was to protect the emperor in his afterlife. The figures, dating from approximately the late third century BCE, were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong County, Shaanxi, China. The figures vary in height according to their roles, with the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians.
History
The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, was born in 259 BCE and died in 210 BCE. During his reign, he unified China and was responsible for the construction of the Great Wall. After his death, he was buried in the necropolis complex at Mount Li. The complex was constructed to serve as his final resting place and to protect him in his afterlife. It was here that the Chinese Clay Army was found in 1974.
Description of the Army
The Chinese Clay Army is made up of over 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures. The figures are all hand-crafted and vary in height, with the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. The figures are arranged in battle formations and are armed with real weapons. It is believed that the figures were created to represent the real army of the emperor and to protect him in the afterlife.
Legacy
The Chinese Clay Army is a testament to the power and legacy of the first emperor of China. It is a symbol of the unification of China and of the emperor’s grand vision for his afterlife. The figures are a reminder of the vast resources and skill that was devoted to the construction of the necropolis complex and to the protection of the emperor in his afterlife. The figures have become a symbol of Chinese culture and have been the subject of numerous books, films, and television shows.
Significance
The Chinese Clay Army is a significant archaeological find. It is an important part of Chinese history and culture and has helped to shed light on the life and times of the first emperor of China. It is a testament to the power and grandeur of the emperor and a reminder of the resources and skill that was devoted to his burial. It is also a reminder of the grand vision that the emperor had for his afterlife.
Protection and Conservation
The Chinese Clay Army is a fragile and precious archaeological find. It is protected and conserved by the Chinese government and is open to the public for viewing. The figures are displayed in a museum in the city of Xi’an and are a popular tourist attraction. The figures are also protected from the elements by being housed in a climate-controlled building.
Conclusion
The Chinese Clay Army is an impressive and important archaeological find. It is a testament to the power and grandeur of the first emperor of China and a reminder of the resources and skill that was devoted to his burial. The figures are a symbol of Chinese culture and are protected and conserved by the Chinese government. They are a popular tourist attraction and a reminder of the grand vision that the emperor had for his afterlife.
