Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang
The terracotta army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, also known as the “Terracotta Warriors and Horses”, is one of the most remarkable archaeological finds of the 20th century. The army was discovered in 1974 by local farmers in the Lintong District of Xi’an, China. The warriors, horses, and chariots were all made out of terracotta and are estimated to have been constructed around 210-209 BC. The figures are believed to have been buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in his afterlife.
History of the Terracotta Army
The terracotta army was discovered by farmers in 1974 while they were digging a well in the Lintong District of Xi’an. The farmers initially uncovered pieces of terracotta figures which were later identified as part of the terracotta army. Further excavation revealed the presence of an entire army of terracotta warriors, horses, chariots, and weapons, all made out of terracotta.
The terracotta army is believed to have been constructed by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, around 210-209 BC. It is estimated that the army consists of over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which still remain buried in the soil.
Significance of the Terracotta Army
The terracotta army is an important archaeological find as it sheds light on the funerary customs of ancient China. The terracotta figures are believed to have been buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in his afterlife. The figures are also an important source of information about the technology, weapons, and armor used by the Chinese during the Qin dynasty.
The terracotta army is also an important symbol of the power and wealth of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The sheer size and complexity of the army demonstrates the Emperor’s ambition and the resources he was able to command.
Preservation of the Terracotta Army
The terracotta army is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is being preserved and maintained by the Chinese government. The army is now housed in the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Site Museum, which was built in 1979 to protect the terracotta figures from the elements. The museum is also home to a research and conservation center, which is dedicated to the preservation and study of the terracotta army.
In addition to the preservation efforts of the Chinese government, the terracotta army is also the subject of ongoing archaeological research. Archaeologists are continuing to uncover new figures and weapons, as well as uncovering the stories behind the construction of the army.
Conclusion
The terracotta army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is an important archaeological find which sheds light on the funerary customs of ancient China. The army is also an important symbol of the power and wealth of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The Chinese government is preserving and maintaining the terracotta army, and archaeologists are continuing to uncover new figures and weapons.
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