Clay Army is an ancient Chinese terracotta army of soldiers, chariots, and horses, all made of clay, that was discovered in 1974 in the tomb of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. It is estimated that the terracotta figures, which number in the thousands, were buried with the emperor in 210–209 BC to protect him in the afterlife. The figures range in height from about 1 foot (30 cm) to over 6 feet (1.8 m) and are life-sized. They are painted in vibrant colors and are detailed in their features, such as facial expressions and hairstyles. The terracotta army is one of the most famous archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and is a major tourist attraction in China.
History of the Clay Army
The clay army was discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well in the Lintong district of Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China. It was discovered in the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, who died in 210–209 BC. The clay army was buried with the emperor to protect him in the afterlife. In total, the terracotta figures number in the thousands, and they are all life-sized. The figures range in height from about 1 foot (30 cm) to over 6 feet (1.8 m).
Structure of the Clay Army
The terracotta army is organized in a structured formation that resembles a battle formation. It is divided into three main sections: the vanguard, the main force, and the rear guard. The vanguard is made up of infantry and chariots, the main force is made up of cavalry and chariots, and the rear guard is made up of infantry and chariots. Each section is further divided into smaller units, and the terracotta figures are arranged in battle formations. The figures are detailed in their features, such as facial expressions and hairstyles, and are painted in vibrant colors.
Significance of the Clay Army
The terracotta army is one of the most famous archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It is a major tourist attraction in China and has become a symbol of Chinese history and culture. The clay army also has great historical and archaeological significance. It provides insight into the political, military, and religious beliefs of the Qin Dynasty, and the craftsmanship of the terracotta figures is a testament to the skill of the ancient Chinese artisans.
Conservation of the Clay Army
The terracotta army is an important part of China’s cultural heritage and is a valuable archaeological discovery. As such, it must be preserved for future generations. The clay army is housed in a museum near the site of its discovery, and the figures are carefully monitored and maintained. The figures are regularly cleaned and restored, and a special climate-controlled environment is maintained in the museum to protect the terracotta figures from the elements.
Conclusion
The clay army is an ancient Chinese terracotta army of soldiers, chariots, and horses, all made of clay, that was discovered in 1974 in the tomb of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. It is one of the most famous archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and is a major tourist attraction in China. The figures are painted in vibrant colors and are detailed in their features, such as facial expressions and hairstyles. The terracotta army also has great historical and archaeological significance and must be preserved for future generations. The figures are carefully monitored and maintained, and a special climate-controlled environment is maintained in the museum to protect the terracotta figures from the elements.
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