Terracotta Army | Xi an

The Terracotta Army (兵马俑, Bīngmǎyǒng) is one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in the world, located in the city of Xi'an, in Shaanxi Province, China. It consists of thousands of life-sized statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to accompany him in the afterlife. These statues are part of a larger burial complex and have become one of China’s most famous cultural and historical treasures.

Historical Background:

Qin Shi Huang’s Reign:

• Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BCE) was the first emperor of China, uniting the country under one centralized government in 221 BCE. His reign marked the beginning of the Qin Dynasty, and he is known for significant achievements such as the construction of the first version of the Great Wall of China, the creation of a uniform currency, and the standardization of the Chinese writing system.
• Qin Shi Huang was obsessed with immortality and sought ways to preserve himself for the afterlife. His tomb, which contains the Terracotta Army, was built to ensure he had protection and servants in the afterlife, reflecting his grand ambitions.

Discovery of the Terracotta Army:

• The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers who were digging a well in Lintong District, near Xi'an. The discovery was accidental, but it quickly became one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.
• The army is believed to have been constructed between 247 BCE and 208 BCE, during the reign of Qin Shi Huang, and is part of the emperor’s massive burial complex that includes an entire necropolis, including his tomb mound, which remains largely unexplored due to concerns about preserving the artifacts.

The Terracotta Army:

Composition:

• The Terracotta Army is composed of over 8,000 soldiers, 670 horses, and 130 chariots, all of which were buried in pits near Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. The figures are life-sized and were made from terra cotta (a type of fired clay), each with unique features. The statues were arranged in military formation, meant to protect the emperor in the afterlife.
• The soldiers are positioned in three main pits, which cover an area of over 20,000 square meters. The first pit, the largest, contains the majority of the soldiers and is the main focus of tourists. The other pits contain additional soldiers, horses, and chariots.

Design and Features:

• The soldiers vary in rank, and each figure has distinct facial features, hairstyles, clothing, and expressions, making them look individual. The soldiers' faces are often highly detailed, and they are thought to represent the actual soldiers who served in the Qin Dynasty’s army, as each was modeled after a real person.
• The figures were originally painted in bright colors, though much of the paint has faded over time. However, traces of paint can still be seen on some of the figures.
• The soldiers are arranged in a specific military formation, with generals, infantry, archers, and charioteers positioned in rows. The horses are arranged in groups, with the chariots placed in front of the infantry.

The Pits:

• Pit 1: The largest of the three main pits, it contains over 6,000 soldiers and horses arranged in battle formation. The soldiers are arranged in ranks, and it is the most impressive and famous part of the excavation site.
• Pit 2: This pit contains a mix of infantry, archers, and chariots. It is thought to represent a part of the military ready for battle and features some of the most significant discoveries in terms of weaponry and chariots.
• Pit 3: The smallest of the three main pits, it contains high-ranking officers, including the general. This pit provides insight into the leadership structure of the Qin army.

The Tomb of Qin Shi Huang:

• The Terracotta Army is part of a larger burial complex for Qin Shi Huang, who was buried in a massive tomb near the army. The tomb itself has not been fully excavated, as it is believed to contain valuable treasures, including jade, gold, and other artifacts.
• The tomb is said to be a replica of the emperor’s palace, complete with rivers of mercury, which was believed to represent the flow of water and was thought to preserve the emperor in the afterlife.
• Modern technology, including ground-penetrating radar, has allowed archaeologists to survey the tomb without disturbing it, and it is thought that the tomb may still contain significant undiscovered artifacts.

Cultural Significance:

Symbolism of the Army:

• The Terracotta Army symbolizes Qin Shi Huang’s immense power and his belief in immortality. The figures were intended to protect the emperor in the afterlife, ensuring that he would continue to rule even after his death.
• The army also reflects the highly organized and hierarchical structure of the Qin Dynasty, which was among the first to unify China under one centralized state. The precision and coordination of the figures represent the military discipline that was a hallmark of the Qin army.

The Scale of the Project:

• The creation of the Terracotta Army was a monumental feat of craftsmanship. It is estimated that over 700,000 workers were involved in building the army and the surrounding tomb complex. The workers were likely conscripted laborers, and the project may have taken as long as 38 years to complete.
• The scale and ambition of the project demonstrate the emperor's desire to project power and ensure his place in the afterlife.

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

• In 1987, the Terracotta Army was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its immense historical, cultural, and artistic value. It remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year from across the globe.

Visitor Experience:

The Museum:

• Today, the Terracotta Army is housed in a large museum, which includes the excavation pits as well as exhibition halls displaying restored artifacts, such as weapons, pottery, and parts of the statues. The museum provides a wealth of information about the history and significance of the Terracotta Army and the Qin Dynasty.
• Visitors can walk around the excavation sites, viewing the pits and getting an up-close look at the soldiers, some of which have been partially restored. There are also special exhibitions on the conservation process, as well as interactive displays about the techniques used to create the army.

Conservation Efforts:

• The figures have been subjected to significant preservation efforts, as exposure to air has caused many of them to deteriorate over time. Archaeologists continue to carefully excavate and restore the figures, using modern technology to prevent further damage.
• Some of the Terracotta Army figures have been painstakingly reconstructed and reassembled in the museum, allowing visitors to see how they would have looked when first created.

Conclusion:

The Terracotta Army is one of the most impressive archaeological finds of the 20th century, offering a remarkable glimpse into ancient China’s military and cultural history. It represents the grandeur of Qin Shi Huang's reign and his belief in the afterlife. Today, it continues to draw millions of visitors and remains a symbol of China’s rich historical heritage. The figures, with their detailed craftsmanship and life-like quality, stand as a testament to the skills and ambition of the ancient Chinese civilization.