Difference between revisions of "Terracotta Army" - New World Encyclopedia

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The '''Terracotta Army''' ({{zh-tspl|t=兵馬俑|s=兵马俑|p=bīngmǎ yǒng|l=soldier and horse funerary statues}}) or ''Terracotta Warriors and Horses'' is a collection of 8,099 life-size Chinese [[terra cotta]] figures of warriors and horses located near the '''Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor''' ({{zh-cp|c=秦始皇陵|p=Qín Shǐhuáng líng}}). The figures were discovered in 1974 near [[Xi'an]], [[Shaanxi]] province, [[China]].  
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The '''Terracotta Army''' ({{zh-tspl|t=兵馬俑|s=兵马俑|p=bīngmǎ yǒng|l=soldier and horse funerary statues}}) or ''Terracotta Warriors and Horses'' is a collection of 8,099 life-size Chinese [[terra cotta]] figures of warriors and horses located near the '''Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor''' ({{zh-cp|c=秦始皇陵|p=Qín Shǐhuáng líng}}). The figures were discovered in 1974 near [[Xi'an]], [[Shaanxi]] province, [[China]], by farmers drilling a water well. Three pits containing the warriors were excavated, and the first was opened to the public in 1979.
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The warriors were intended to protect the emperor’s tomb and support him as he reigned over an empire in the afterlife. The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized, varying in height, uniform and hairstyle according to their rank. They were painted with a colored lacquer finish and equipped with real weapons and armor. Each warrior has distinctive facial features and expressions, suggesting that they were modeled on real soldiers from the emperor’s army. After completion, the terracotta figures were placed in the pits outlined above in precise military formation according to rank and duty.  They provide a wealth of information for military historians, and their existence is a testimony to the power and wealth of [[Qin Shi Huang]] the First Emperor of Qin. The site was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
  
 
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
 
[[Image:Terracotta Army-China2.jpg|thumb|200px|left|]]
 
[[Image:Terracotta Army-China2.jpg|thumb|200px|left|]]
  
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The Terracotta  Army was buried with the [[Emperor of China|Emperor]] of [[Qin Dynasty|Qin]] ([[Qin Shi Huangdi]]) in [[210 B.C.E.|210]]-209 B.C.E. (his reign over Qin was from 247 B.C.E. to 221 B.C.E. and over unified [[China]] from 221 B.C.E. to his death). Their purpose was to help rule another empire with Shi Huangdi in the afterlife. Consequently, they are also sometimes referred to as "Qin's Armies."
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The Terracotta  Army was buried with the [[Emperor of China|Emperor]] of [[Qin Dynasty|Qin]] ([[Qin Shi Huang]]) in [[210 B.C.E.|210]]-209 B.C.E. (he reigned over Qin from 247 B.C.E. to 221 B.C.E., and over unified [[China]] from 221 B.C.E. until his death in 210 B.C.E.). They were intended to protect the emperor’s tomb and support the Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as he ruled over another empire in the afterlife, and are sometimes referred to as "Qin's Armies."
  
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The Terracotta Army was discovered in March 1974 by local farmers drilling a water well to the east of Mount Lishan.  (The precise coordinates are {{coor at dms|34|23|5.71|N|109|16|23.19|E|type:landmark}}.) Mount Lishan is also where the material to make the terracotta warriors originated. In addition to the warriors, an entire man made [[necropolis]] for the emperor has been excavated.
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The Terracotta Army was discovered in March 1974 by local farmers drilling a water well 1,340 yards east of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s burial mound, which is situated at the foot of Mount Lishan.  (The precise coordinates are {{coor at dms|34|23|5.71|N|109|16|23.19|E|type:landmark}}.) Mount Lishan is also where the material to make the terracotta warriors originated. The burial complex lies about twenty miles east of Xi’an in Shaanxi Province in western China. Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an, was the imperial capital of the Qin dynasty for several centuries. Pottery found by the farmers soon attracted the attention of archeologists, who quickly established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 B.C.E.).
  
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Construction of this mausoleum began in 246 B.C.E. and is believed to have taken 700,000 workers and craftsmen 38 years to complete. Qin Shi Huangdi was interred inside the tomb complex upon his death in 210 B.C.E. According to the Grand Historian [[Sima Qian]], the First Emperor was buried alongside great amounts of treasure and objects of craftsmanship, as well as a scale replica of the universe complete with gemmed ceilings representing the [[cosmos]], and flowing [[Mercury (element)|mercury]] representing the great earthly bodies of water. Pearls were also placed on the ceilings in the tomb to represent the stars, planets, etc. Recent scientific work at the site has shown high levels of mercury in the soil of Mount Lishan, tentatively indicating an accurate description of the site’s contents by historian Sima Qian (145 B.C.E.-90 B.C.E.). [[Image:Terracota_Army_soldier.jpg|left|150px|thumbnail|A Qin terracotta soldier.]]
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The State Council authorized the building of a museum on the site in 1975, and the first pit was opened to the public on China's National Day, 1979. Three pits have been excavated and a large hall has been built to protect them and allow for public viewing. There are 8,009 life-size warriors, archers, and foot soldiers. The first pit, covering an area of 172,000 square feet, contains 6,000 figures facing east in battle formation, with war chariots at the back. The second pit, excavated in 1976, covers 64,500 square feet and contains one thousand warriors in the chariot cavalry corps, with horses and ninety lacquered wooden chariots. It was unveiled to the public in 1994. The third pit, which went on display in 1989, covers only 5,000 square feet and appears to be a command center, containing 68 figures of high-ranking officers, a war chariot, and four horses.  A fourth pit remained empty; it is possible that the emperor died before it could be completed.  In addition to the warriors, an entire man-made [[necropolis]] for the emperor has been excavated. Work is ongoing at the site.
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The tomb of [[Qin Shi Huangdi]] is near an earthen pyramid 76 meters tall and nearly 350 square meters. The tomb presently remains unopened. There are plans to seal off the area around the tomb with a special tent-type structure to prevent corrosion from exposure to outside air. However, there is at present only one company in the world that makes these tents, and their largest model will not cover the site as needed.{{Fact|date=May 2007}}
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==Mausoleum==
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Construction of this mausoleum began in 246 B.C.E., when the thirteen-year-old Huangdi ascended the throne, and is believed to have taken 700,000 workers and craftsmen 38 years to complete. Qin Shi Huangdi was interred inside the tomb complex upon his death in 210 B.C.E.. According to the Grand Historian [[Sima Qian]] (145 - 90 B.C.E.)., the First Emperor was buried alongside large quantities of treasure and objects of craftsmanship, as well as a scale replica of the universe complete with gemmed ceilings representing the [[cosmos]], and flowing [[Mercury (element)|mercury]] representing the great earthly bodies of water. Pearls were placed on the ceilings in the tomb to represent the stars and planets. Recent scientific analysis at the site has shown high levels of mercury in the soil of Mount Lishan, tentatively indicating that Sima Qian’s description of the site’s contents was accurate.
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Terracota_Army_soldier.jpg|left|150px|thumbnail|A Qin terracotta soldier.]]
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The tomb of [[Qin Shi Huangdi]] is near an earthen pyramid 76 meters tall and nearly 350 meters square, on the Huishui River at the foot of Lishan Mountain. Its location was carefully chosen according to the principles of feng shui. The tomb presently remains unopened; there are plans to seal off the area around it with a special tent-type structure to prevent corrosion from exposure to outside air.  
 
[[Image:Soldier_Horse.JPG|right|150px|thumbnail|A terracotta soldier and his horse]]
 
[[Image:Soldier_Horse.JPG|right|150px|thumbnail|A terracotta soldier and his horse]]
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Qin Shi Huangdi’s necropolis complex was constructed to serve as an imperial compound or palace.  It comprises several offices, halls and other structures and is surrounded by a wall with gateway entrances.  The remains of the craftsmen working in the tomb may also be found within its confines, as it is believed they were sealed inside alive to keep them from divulging any secrets about its riches or entrance.  It was only fitting, therefore, to have this compound protected by the massive terracotta army interred nearby.
 
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In July 2007 it was determined, using remote sensing technology, that the mausoleum contains a 90-foot tall building built above the tomb, with four stepped walls, each having nine steps.  Researchers theorized it was built "for the soul of the emperor to depart."<ref name="AOL">[http://news.aol.com/story/_a/chinas-terracotta-tomb-hides-mystery/20070701204609990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001 China's Terracotta Tomb Hides Mystery], ''[[AOL]]'', 2 July 2007.</ref>
 
  
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==Construction==
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Qin Shi Huangdi’s necropolis complex was constructed to serve as an imperial compound or palace. It comprises several offices, halls and other structures and is surrounded by a wall with gateway entrances. The remains of the craftsmen working in the tomb have been discovered within its confines; it is believed that they were sealed inside alive to keep them from divulging any secrets about its contents or the entrance. The compound was protected by the massive terracotta army interred nearby.
 +
 
 +
In July, 2007, it was determined, using remote sensing technology, that the mausoleum contains a 90-foot tall building built above the tomb, with four stepped walls, each having nine steps.  Researchers theorized it was built "for the soul of the emperor to depart."<ref name="AOL">[http://news.aol.com/story/_a/chinas-terracotta-tomb-hides-mystery/20070701204609990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001 China's Terracotta Tomb Hides Mystery], ''[[AOL]]'', 2 July 2007.</ref>
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==Construction of the Warriors==
 
[[Image:Terracotta pmorgan.jpg|left|250px|thumbnail|Terracotta detail. No two life-sized figures are alike in the tomb.]]
 
[[Image:Terracotta pmorgan.jpg|left|250px|thumbnail|Terracotta detail. No two life-sized figures are alike in the tomb.]]
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The terracotta figures were manufactured both in workshops by government laborers and also by local craftsmen.  It is believed they were made in much the same way that terracotta drainage pipes were manufactured at the time.  This would make it a factory line style of production, with specific parts manufactured and assembled after being fired as opposed to crafting one solid piece of terracotta and subsequently firing it.  After completion, the terracotta figures were placed in the pits outlined above in precise military formation according to rank and duty.
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The terracotta figures were manufactured both in workshops by government laborers, and also by local craftsmen.  It is believed they were made in much the same way that terracotta drainage pipes were manufactured at the time, with specific parts manufactured and assembled after being fired, rather than the entire piece being crafted and fired at once.  
  
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The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized. They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. The colored lacquer finish, molded faces (each is individual), and real weapons and armor used in manufacturing these figures created a realistic appearance. The weapons were stolen shortly after the creation of the army and the coloring has mostly faded.  However, their existence served as a testament to the amount of labour and skill involved in their construction.  It is also proof of the incredible amount of power the First Emperor possessed to order such a monumental undertaking as the manufacturing of the terracotta army. People believe that the terracota warriors were based on true people as every face has different facial features and expressions.
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The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized. They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. The colored lacquer finish, molded faces, and real weapons and armor with which they were equipped created a realistic appearance. Each warrior has distinctive facial features and expressions, and it is believed that they were modeled on real soldiers. After completion, the terracotta figures were placed in the pits outlined above in precise military formation according to rank and duty.  They provide a wealth of information for military historians, and their existence is a testimony to the power and wealth of the First Emperor of Qin. The site was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
  
 
==Destruction==
 
==Destruction==
 
[[Image:Terracotta_army_xian_assembling_warriors.jpg|right|200px|thumbnail|Terracotta figures in various stages of re-assembly after being unearthed.]]
 
[[Image:Terracotta_army_xian_assembling_warriors.jpg|right|200px|thumbnail|Terracotta figures in various stages of re-assembly after being unearthed.]]
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There is evidence of a large fire that burned the wooden structures once housing the Terracotta Army. The fire was described by Sima Qian, who described them as the consequences of General [[Xiang Yu]], who raided the tomb less than five years after the death of the First Emperor, as that the effects of General Xiang’s army included looting of the tomb and structures holding the Terracotta Army, as well as setting fire to the necropolis and starting a blaze that lasted for three months. Despite this fire, however, much of the remains of the Terracotta Army still survive in various stages of preservation, surrounded by remnants of the burnt wooden structures.
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There is evidence of a large fire that burned the wooden structures once housing the Terracotta Army. The fire was described by Sima Qian, who describes how the tomb was raided by General [[Xiang Yu]], less than five years after the death of the First Emperor, and how his army looted of the tomb and structures holding the Terracotta Army, stealing the weapons from the terracotta figures and setting fire to the necropolis, a blaze that lasted for three months. Despite this fire, however, much of the Terracotta Army still survives in various stages of preservation, surrounded by remnants of the burnt wooden structures.
  
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Today nearly two million people visit the site annually, and almost one-fifth are foreigners. The Terracotta Army now serves as both a phenomenal archaeological discovery as well as an icon of China’s distant past recognizable the world over.  The power and military achievement of the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang is evident in the massive and monumental achievements present throughout his tomb complex, most notably the 8,000+ terracotta figures eternally serving to protect their leader.
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Today nearly two million people visit the site annually; almost one-fifth of these are foreigners. The Terracotta Army is not only an archaeological treasure, but is recognized the world over as an icon of China’s distant past and a monument to the power and military achievement of the First Emperor [[Qin Shi Huang]].
  
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In 1999, it was reported that pottery warriors were suffering from "nine different kinds of mold," caused by raised temperatures and humidity in the building which houses the soldiers, and the breath of tourists.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/289483.stm World: Asia-Pacific Pollution threat to terracotta army]</ref> In addition, ''[[South China Morning Post]]'' reported the figures have become oxidised grey from being exposed to air, which may cause noses and hairstyles to disappear, and falling arms.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2005/1402269.htm Air pollution harms terracotta warriors]</ref>  However, the officials dismissed the claims.<ref>[http://www.danwei.org/media_and_advertising/is_the_terracotta_army_in_dang.php http://www.danwei.org/media_and_advertising/is_the_terracotta_army_in_dang.php]</ref> In ''[[Daily Planet (TV series)|Daily Planet Goes to China]]'', the Terracotta Warriors segment reported the Chinese scientists found soot on the surface of the statue, concluding that the pollution introduced from coal burning plants was responsible for the decaying of the terracotta statues.
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In 1999, it was reported that pottery warriors were suffering from "nine different kinds of mold," caused by raised temperatures and humidity in the building which houses the soldiers, and the breath of tourists.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/289483.stm World: Asia-Pacific Pollution threat to terracotta army]</ref> The ''[[South China Morning Post]]'' reported the figures have oxidized and become gray from being exposed to air, and that this oxidation may cause noses and hairstyles to disappear, and arms to fall off.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2005/1402269.htm Air pollution harms terracotta warriors]</ref>  Chinese officials dismissed the claims.<ref>[http://www.danwei.org/media_and_advertising/is_the_terracotta_army_in_dang.php http://www.danwei.org/media_and_advertising/is_the_terracotta_army_in_dang.php]</ref> In ''[[Daily Planet (TV series)|Daily Planet Goes to China]]'', the Terracotta Warriors segment reported the Chinese scientists found soot on the surface of the statue, concluding that the pollution from coal-burning electricity plants was responsible for the decaying of the terracotta statues.
  
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==Terracotta Army outside China==
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==Terracotta Army Outside China==
 
* [[Forbidden Gardens]], a privately funded outdoor museum in [[Katy, Texas]] has 6,000 1/3 scale replica terra-cotta soldiers displayed in formation as they were buried in the 3rd century B.C.E. Several full-size replicas are included for scale, and replicas of weapons discovered with the army are shown in a separate Weapons Room. The museum's sponsor is a Chinese businessman whose goal is to share his country's history.
 
* [[Forbidden Gardens]], a privately funded outdoor museum in [[Katy, Texas]] has 6,000 1/3 scale replica terra-cotta soldiers displayed in formation as they were buried in the 3rd century B.C.E. Several full-size replicas are included for scale, and replicas of weapons discovered with the army are shown in a separate Weapons Room. The museum's sponsor is a Chinese businessman whose goal is to share his country's history.
  
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* In 2004,  an exhibit of the terracotta warriors was featured at [[2004 Universal Forum of Cultures]] in [[Barcelona]]. It later inaugurated the [[Cuarto Depósito]] Art Center at [[Madrid]]<ref name="El Mundo">[http://www.elmundo.es/metropoli/2004/09/28/arte/1096384785.html Los Guerreros de Xian llegan a Madrid], ''[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]'', 28 September 2004.</ref>. It consisted of ten warriors, four other big figures and other pieces (totalling 170) from the [[Qin dynasty|Qin]] and [[Han dynasty|Han]] dinasties.
 
* In 2004,  an exhibit of the terracotta warriors was featured at [[2004 Universal Forum of Cultures]] in [[Barcelona]]. It later inaugurated the [[Cuarto Depósito]] Art Center at [[Madrid]]<ref name="El Mundo">[http://www.elmundo.es/metropoli/2004/09/28/arte/1096384785.html Los Guerreros de Xian llegan a Madrid], ''[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]'', 28 September 2004.</ref>. It consisted of ten warriors, four other big figures and other pieces (totalling 170) from the [[Qin dynasty|Qin]] and [[Han dynasty|Han]] dinasties.
  
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* Silent Warriors, 81 original artifacts including ten soldiers are on display in [[Malta]] at the Archaeological Museum (http://www.heritagemalta.org) in [[Valletta]] till the 31st July 2007. (http://www.heritagemalta.org/documents/Silent%20Warriors.pdf)
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* Silent Warriors, 81 original artifacts including ten soldiers were on display in [[Malta]] at the Archaeological Museum (http://www.heritagemalta.org) in [[Valletta]] till the 31st July 2007. (http://www.heritagemalta.org/documents/Silent%20Warriors.pdf)  
  
 
* Twelve terra-cotta warriors, together with other figures excavated from the tomb, will move to the [[British Museum]] in [[London]] between September 2007 and April 2008.
 
* Twelve terra-cotta warriors, together with other figures excavated from the tomb, will move to the [[British Museum]] in [[London]] between September 2007 and April 2008.
  
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==Infiltration==
 
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{{wikinews|Unwanted new recruit for two-millenia-old Chinese guard}}
 
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On September 16, 2006, a [[Germany|German]] art student, [[Pablo Wendel]], infiltrated a Terracotta Army exhibit in a Xi'an museum and disguised himself as one of the soldiers. According to museum officials, his disguise was good enough to make it difficult for security to discern him among the statues; he was able to hide with the Terracotta Army for several minutes before being found. However, because Wendel had no malicious intentions against the historic exhibits - he merely wanted to live out his fantasy of being one of the warriors - and he had damaged none of the statues, he was let off with only an official rebuke and no serious legal consequences. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/5355546.stm Story on German student infiltrating exhibit on BBC website]</ref>
 
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[[Image:Terracotta warriors pit1.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
 
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==Entertainment references==
 
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*A version of the Terracotta Army was brought to life in the [[Direct-to-video|direct-to-DVD]] animated movie ''[[The Invincible Iron Man (film)|The Invincible Iron Man]].''
 
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*''[[The Mummy 3]]'', scheduled to be released on July 11, 2008, will feature a sequence with the Terracotta Army<ref ="Mummy3">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=19495 Report on Mummy 3 movie having a Terracotta Warriors sequence]</ref>.
 
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* An episode of the animated ''[[Martin Mystery]]'' series featured the Terracotta Army.
 
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* The ABC Miniseries ''[[Arabian Nights]]'' features the Terracotta army in the [[Aladdin]] story.
 
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* The video game ''[[Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb]]'' featured terracotta soldiers as literal guardians inside Huangdi's tomb; wraiths can take control of them to attack [[Indiana Jones|Indiana]].
 
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* The Terracotta Army is a buildable wonder in the PC game ''[[Rise of Nations]]''.
 
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* In ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Terracotta soldiers are featured guarding entrances to the games levels which are depicted as tombs. In a creative twist, these soldiers are stationary but then "come to life" if the player makes contact with the statues.  It should be noted however, that these terracotta soldiers do not appear as soldiers similar to the actual terracotta army, but rather as statues with glowing eyes and swords and sheilds.
 
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* [[Terry Pratchett]]'s ''[[Discworld]]'' multi-layered fantasy satire on Western views of China ''[[Interesting Times]]'' features a final battle in which the Wizzard [sic] Rincewind takes charge of a buried terracotta army using a very science-fictiony helmet and boots with heads-up display and too many icons instead of the magic expected in the series.  He gets stuck in the mud.
 
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* The ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh!: Trading Card Game]]'' card "Mausoleum of the Emperor" is supposed to be reminiscent of the First Emperor's tomb; as such, when [[Astor Phoenix]] uses it in the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! GX]]'' anime, representations of the Terracotta Army are used as "tributes" to bring out his high-level monsters.
 
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
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Image:P1010019.JPG
 
Image:P1010019.JPG
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
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==Notes==
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{{reflist}}
  
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==Further reading==
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==References==
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* Debainne-Francfort, Corrine.  "The Search for Ancient China," (Harry N. Abrams Inc. Pub. 1999): 91-99.
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* Debainne-Francfort, Corrine.  "''The Search for Ancient China''," (Harry N. Abrams Inc. Pub. 1999): 91-99. ISBN: 0810928507 9780810928503
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* Dillon, Michael(ed).  "China: A Cultural and Historical Dictionary," (Curzon Press, 1998): 196.
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* Dillon, Michael(ed).  ''"China: A Cultural and Historical Dictionary,''" (Curzon Press, 1998): 196. ISBN: 0700704388 9780700704385 0700704396 9780700704392
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* Ledderose, Lothar. "A Magic Army for the Emperor." from "Ten Thousand Things : Module and Mass Production in Chinese Art" ed. Lothar Ledderose, (Princeton UP, 2000): 51-73.
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* Ledderose, Lothar. "''A Magic Army for the Emperor.''" from "''Ten Thousand Things : Module and Mass Production in Chinese Art''" ed. Lothar Ledderose, (Princeton UP, 2000): 51-73. ISBN: 0691006695 9780691006697 0691009570 9780691009575
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* Perkins, Dorothy.  "Encyclopedia of China:  The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture," (Roundtable Press, 1999): 517-518.
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* Perkins, Dorothy.  "''Encyclopedia of China:  The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture''," (Roundtable Press, 1999): 517-518. ISBN: 0816026939 9780816026937
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* Richards, Jack C. Interchange 2, Third Edition, (Cambridge University Press, 2005):80.
 
  
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==References==
 
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{{reflist}}
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
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[[Category:Xi'an]]
 
[[Category:Xi'an]]
 
[[Category:Infantry]]
 
[[Category:Infantry]]
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{{credits|Terracotta_Army|147365019}}
 
{{credits|Terracotta_Army|147365019}}

Revision as of 19:46, 27 August 2007


Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
View of the largest excavation pit of the Terracotta Army.
State Party Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Type Cultural
Criteria i, iii, iv, vi
Reference 441
Region** Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription 1987  (11th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
** Region as classified by UNESCO.

The Terracotta Army (Traditional Chinese: 兵馬俑; Simplified Chinese: 兵马俑; pinyin: bīngmǎ yǒng; literally "soldier and horse funerary statues") or Terracotta Warriors and Horses is a collection of 8,099 life-size Chinese terra cotta figures of warriors and horses located near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Chinese: 秦始皇陵; pinyin: Qín Shǐhuáng líng). The figures were discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China, by farmers drilling a water well. Three pits containing the warriors were excavated, and the first was opened to the public in 1979.

The warriors were intended to protect the emperor’s tomb and support him as he reigned over an empire in the afterlife. The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized, varying in height, uniform and hairstyle according to their rank. They were painted with a colored lacquer finish and equipped with real weapons and armor. Each warrior has distinctive facial features and expressions, suggesting that they were modeled on real soldiers from the emperor’s army. After completion, the terracotta figures were placed in the pits outlined above in precise military formation according to rank and duty. They provide a wealth of information for military historians, and their existence is a testimony to the power and wealth of Qin Shi Huang the First Emperor of Qin. The site was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Introduction

Terracotta Army-China2.jpg

The Terracotta Army was buried with the Emperor of Qin (Qin Shi Huang) in 210-209 B.C.E. (he reigned over Qin from 247 B.C.E. to 221 B.C.E., and over unified China from 221 B.C.E. until his death in 210 B.C.E.). They were intended to protect the emperor’s tomb and support the Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as he ruled over another empire in the afterlife, and are sometimes referred to as "Qin's Armies."

The Terracotta Army was discovered in March 1974 by local farmers drilling a water well 1,340 yards east of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s burial mound, which is situated at the foot of Mount Lishan. (The precise coordinates are 34°23′5.71″N, 109°16′23.19″ECoordinates: 34°23′5.71″N, 109°16′23.19″E.) Mount Lishan is also where the material to make the terracotta warriors originated. The burial complex lies about twenty miles east of Xi’an in Shaanxi Province in western China. Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an, was the imperial capital of the Qin dynasty for several centuries. Pottery found by the farmers soon attracted the attention of archeologists, who quickly established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 B.C.E.).

The State Council authorized the building of a museum on the site in 1975, and the first pit was opened to the public on China's National Day, 1979. Three pits have been excavated and a large hall has been built to protect them and allow for public viewing. There are 8,009 life-size warriors, archers, and foot soldiers. The first pit, covering an area of 172,000 square feet, contains 6,000 figures facing east in battle formation, with war chariots at the back. The second pit, excavated in 1976, covers 64,500 square feet and contains one thousand warriors in the chariot cavalry corps, with horses and ninety lacquered wooden chariots. It was unveiled to the public in 1994. The third pit, which went on display in 1989, covers only 5,000 square feet and appears to be a command center, containing 68 figures of high-ranking officers, a war chariot, and four horses. A fourth pit remained empty; it is possible that the emperor died before it could be completed. In addition to the warriors, an entire man-made necropolis for the emperor has been excavated. Work is ongoing at the site.

Mausoleum

Construction of this mausoleum began in 246 B.C.E., when the thirteen-year-old Huangdi ascended the throne, and is believed to have taken 700,000 workers and craftsmen 38 years to complete. Qin Shi Huangdi was interred inside the tomb complex upon his death in 210 B.C.E.. According to the Grand Historian Sima Qian (145 - 90 B.C.E.)., the First Emperor was buried alongside large quantities of treasure and objects of craftsmanship, as well as a scale replica of the universe complete with gemmed ceilings representing the cosmos, and flowing mercury representing the great earthly bodies of water. Pearls were placed on the ceilings in the tomb to represent the stars and planets. Recent scientific analysis at the site has shown high levels of mercury in the soil of Mount Lishan, tentatively indicating that Sima Qian’s description of the site’s contents was accurate.

File:Terracota Army soldier.jpg
A Qin terracotta soldier.

The tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi is near an earthen pyramid 76 meters tall and nearly 350 meters square, on the Huishui River at the foot of Lishan Mountain. Its location was carefully chosen according to the principles of feng shui. The tomb presently remains unopened; there are plans to seal off the area around it with a special tent-type structure to prevent corrosion from exposure to outside air.

A terracotta soldier and his horse

Qin Shi Huangdi’s necropolis complex was constructed to serve as an imperial compound or palace. It comprises several offices, halls and other structures and is surrounded by a wall with gateway entrances. The remains of the craftsmen working in the tomb have been discovered within its confines; it is believed that they were sealed inside alive to keep them from divulging any secrets about its contents or the entrance. The compound was protected by the massive terracotta army interred nearby.

In July, 2007, it was determined, using remote sensing technology, that the mausoleum contains a 90-foot tall building built above the tomb, with four stepped walls, each having nine steps. Researchers theorized it was built "for the soul of the emperor to depart."[1]

Construction of the Warriors

Terracotta detail. No two life-sized figures are alike in the tomb.

The terracotta figures were manufactured both in workshops by government laborers, and also by local craftsmen. It is believed they were made in much the same way that terracotta drainage pipes were manufactured at the time, with specific parts manufactured and assembled after being fired, rather than the entire piece being crafted and fired at once.

The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized. They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. The colored lacquer finish, molded faces, and real weapons and armor with which they were equipped created a realistic appearance. Each warrior has distinctive facial features and expressions, and it is believed that they were modeled on real soldiers. After completion, the terracotta figures were placed in the pits outlined above in precise military formation according to rank and duty. They provide a wealth of information for military historians, and their existence is a testimony to the power and wealth of the First Emperor of Qin. The site was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Destruction

Terracotta figures in various stages of re-assembly after being unearthed.

There is evidence of a large fire that burned the wooden structures once housing the Terracotta Army. The fire was described by Sima Qian, who describes how the tomb was raided by General Xiang Yu, less than five years after the death of the First Emperor, and how his army looted of the tomb and structures holding the Terracotta Army, stealing the weapons from the terracotta figures and setting fire to the necropolis, a blaze that lasted for three months. Despite this fire, however, much of the Terracotta Army still survives in various stages of preservation, surrounded by remnants of the burnt wooden structures.

Today nearly two million people visit the site annually; almost one-fifth of these are foreigners. The Terracotta Army is not only an archaeological treasure, but is recognized the world over as an icon of China’s distant past and a monument to the power and military achievement of the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

In 1999, it was reported that pottery warriors were suffering from "nine different kinds of mold," caused by raised temperatures and humidity in the building which houses the soldiers, and the breath of tourists.[2] The South China Morning Post reported the figures have oxidized and become gray from being exposed to air, and that this oxidation may cause noses and hairstyles to disappear, and arms to fall off.[3] Chinese officials dismissed the claims.[4] In Daily Planet Goes to China, the Terracotta Warriors segment reported the Chinese scientists found soot on the surface of the statue, concluding that the pollution from coal-burning electricity plants was responsible for the decaying of the terracotta statues.

Terracotta Army Outside China

  • Forbidden Gardens, a privately funded outdoor museum in Katy, Texas has 6,000 1/3 scale replica terra-cotta soldiers displayed in formation as they were buried in the 3rd century B.C.E. Several full-size replicas are included for scale, and replicas of weapons discovered with the army are shown in a separate Weapons Room. The museum's sponsor is a Chinese businessman whose goal is to share his country's history.
  • China participated in the 1982 World's Fair for the first time since 1904, displaying four terra-cotta warriors and horses from the Mausoleum.
  • In 2004, an exhibit of the terracotta warriors was featured at 2004 Universal Forum of Cultures in Barcelona. It later inaugurated the Cuarto Depósito Art Center at Madrid[5]. It consisted of ten warriors, four other big figures and other pieces (totalling 170) from the Qin and Han dinasties.
  • Twelve terra-cotta warriors, together with other figures excavated from the tomb, will move to the British Museum in London between September 2007 and April 2008.


Gallery

  • TERRACOTTA ARMY @ Gdynia 2006 - 01 ubt.jpeg
  • TERRACOTTA ARMY @ Gdynia 2006 - 05 ubt.jpeg
  • TERRACOTTA ARMY @ Gdynia 2006 - 06 ubt.jpeg
  • TERRACOTTA ARMY @ Gdynia 2006 - 07 ubt.jpeg
  • Officer Terrakottaarmén.jpg
  • Terrakottaarmén.jpg
  • XianCavalryman.JPG
  • P1010019.JPG

Notes

  1. ↑ China's Terracotta Tomb Hides Mystery, AOL, 2 July 2007.
  2. ↑ World: Asia-Pacific Pollution threat to terracotta army
  3. ↑ Air pollution harms terracotta warriors
  4. ↑ http://www.danwei.org/media_and_advertising/is_the_terracotta_army_in_dang.php
  5. ↑ Los Guerreros de Xian llegan a Madrid, El Mundo, 28 September 2004.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Debainne-Francfort, Corrine. "The Search for Ancient China," (Harry N. Abrams Inc. Pub. 1999): 91-99. ISBN: 0810928507 9780810928503
  • Dillon, Michael(ed). "China: A Cultural and Historical Dictionary," (Curzon Press, 1998): 196. ISBN: 0700704388 9780700704385 0700704396 9780700704392
  • Ledderose, Lothar. "A Magic Army for the Emperor." from "Ten Thousand Things : Module and Mass Production in Chinese Art" ed. Lothar Ledderose, (Princeton UP, 2000): 51-73. ISBN: 0691006695 9780691006697 0691009570 9780691009575
  • Perkins, Dorothy. "Encyclopedia of China: The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture," (Roundtable Press, 1999): 517-518. ISBN: 0816026939 9780816026937


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