Terracotta Army

Terracotta Army
source
Name	Terracotta Army
Location	Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Coordinates	34.3853°N 109.2653°E
Type	Archaeological site
Period	Qin Dynasty
Culture	Chinese civilization
Discovered	1974
Excavated	1974-1994
Condition	Well-preserved

Terracotta Army. The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, who ruled from 221 BCE to 210 BCE. The army was discovered in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, near the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, and is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, alongside Tutankhamun's tomb and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Terracotta Army is a testament to the advanced craftsmanship and engineering skills of the Qin Dynasty, which also built the Great Wall of China and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.

Introduction

The Terracotta Army is a remarkable example of ancient Chinese art and architecture, with over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses. The army was created to protect the Emperor of China in the afterlife, and is believed to have been inspired by the mythology of China, including the Eight Trigrams and the Five Elements. The Terracotta Army is also a reflection of the Qin Dynasty's military organization, with different types of soldiers, including infantry, archers, and cavalry, which were also used in battles such as the Battle of Gaixia and the Battle of Julu. The army's construction is also linked to the Great Wall of China, which was built during the same period to protect the Chinese Empire from nomadic tribes like the Xiongnu.

History

The Terracotta Army was built during the Qin Dynasty, which was a period of significant cultural and economic development in China, marked by the construction of the Great Wall of China, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and the Liangzhu culture. The army was created to serve the Emperor of China in the afterlife, and is believed to have been inspired by the mythology of China, including the Eight Trigrams and the Five Elements. The Terracotta Army is also a reflection of the Qin Dynasty's military organization, with different types of soldiers, including infantry, archers, and cavalry, which were also used in battles such as the Battle of Gaixia and the Battle of Julu. The army's construction is also linked to the Great Wall of China, which was built during the same period to protect the Chinese Empire from nomadic tribes like the Xiongnu and the Mongols. The Terracotta Army was also influenced by the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected China to Central Asia, India, and the Mediterranean region, including the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire.

Construction

The construction of the Terracotta Army is believed to have taken over 36 years, with thousands of workers involved in the process, including craftsmen, engineers, and laborers from all over China, including the Yangtze River Delta and the Yellow River valley. The army was built using local materials, including terracotta, wood, and stone, which were also used in the construction of other Qin Dynasty projects, such as the Great Wall of China and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The Terracotta Army is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Qin Dynasty, which also built the Banpo Neolithic Village and the Jiangnan region's canal system. The army's construction is also linked to the Chinese invention of the wheelbarrow, which was used to transport materials and workers during the construction process, and the compass, which was used for navigation and orientation.

Organization and Composition

The Terracotta Army is organized into different units, including infantry, archers, and cavalry, which were also used in battles such as the Battle of Gaixia and the Battle of Julu. The army is composed of over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, which were arranged in a specific formation to protect the Emperor of China in the afterlife. The Terracotta Army is also a reflection of the Qin Dynasty's military organization, with different types of soldiers, including generals, officers, and soldiers, which were also used in the Chinese Civil War and the War of the Eight Princes. The army's composition is also linked to the Chinese mythology, including the Eight Trigrams and the Five Elements, which were used to determine the arrangement of the soldiers and the orientation of the army.

Excavation and Preservation

The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, near the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang. The excavation of the army was led by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, with the support of the Chinese government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Terracotta Army is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected by the Chinese law, including the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Cultural Relics. The army's preservation is also linked to the Chinese conservation efforts, including the restoration of the Forbidden City and the preservation of the Great Wall of China.

Significance and Tourism

The Terracotta Army is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, alongside Tutankhamun's tomb and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The army is a testament to the advanced craftsmanship and engineering skills of the Qin Dynasty, which also built the Great Wall of China and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The Terracotta Army is also a major tourist attraction, with millions of visitors each year, including Xi'an, Beijing, and Shanghai. The army's significance is also linked to the Chinese culture, including the Chinese New Year and the Qingming Festival, which are celebrated by the Chinese people all over the world, including in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. The Terracotta Army is also a symbol of Chinese civilization, which has had a significant impact on the world history, including the Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road. Category:Archaeological sites in China