The Terracotta Warriors are a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong County, Shaanxi province, 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 of the Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors were created to accompany the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, who reigned from 246 BC to 210 BC. The tomb was built to protect the emperor in his afterlife and it was believed that the warriors would help him in this task. It is estimated that the construction of the tomb took almost 40 years and involved 700,000 workers.
Construction of the Warriors
The warriors were constructed from clay which was moulded and fired in kilns. The bodies of the figures were made from sections of moulds which were then joined together. The heads, arms and legs were all separately moulded and added to the body. The details such as facial features, clothing and weapons were then added by hand.
The Figures
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. The figures are all highly detailed and individualized, with different facial features and hairstyles.
The Discovery
The Terracotta Warriors were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong County, Shaanxi province, China. The figures were buried in a pit and the farmers were digging a well when they stumbled upon the site. Since then, archaeologists have excavated thousands of figures and pieces of weaponry from the site.
Preservation of the Warriors
The figures are now housed in the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Lintong County. The museum has been built to protect the figures and to provide visitors with an insight into the history of the figures. The museum also has an extensive collection of weapons and artifacts from the Qin dynasty.
Significance
The Terracotta Warriors are considered to be one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. The figures are a testament to the power and grandeur of the Qin dynasty and provide us with an insight into the culture and beliefs of the time.
Conclusion
The Terracotta Warriors are a remarkable discovery and a testament to the power and grandeur of the Qin dynasty. The figures are a valuable insight into the culture and beliefs of the time and the museum provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the history of the figures.
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