Terracotta Army

Definition

The Terracotta Army is a vast collection of life-sized sculptures representing the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, created to accompany him in the afterlife. This extraordinary burial site, discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, showcases over 8,000 soldiers, along with chariots and horses, reflecting the military power and imperial ambitions of the Qin dynasty during a time of unification and the establishment of legalism as a governing philosophy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well, leading to one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.
2. Each statue in the army has unique facial features and expressions, indicating the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the artisans who created them.
3. The army is part of a larger burial complex that includes a grand tomb for Qin Shi Huang, which remains largely unexcavated due to concerns about preservation.
4. The Terracotta Army symbolizes the power and influence of the Qin dynasty, showcasing their military organization and the emperor's belief in life after death.
5. The construction of the Terracotta Army took around 38 years and involved thousands of workers, reflecting both the resources available to the Qin state and the importance of ancestor worship in ancient Chinese culture.

Review Questions

• How does the Terracotta Army reflect the principles of legalism that were prominent during the Qin dynasty?
  • The Terracotta Army exemplifies legalism by showcasing the Qin dynasty's emphasis on order and control through its military might. The vast number of life-sized soldiers signifies the strength of the emperor's rule and his belief in maintaining authority even in death. Additionally, the labor-intensive process behind creating this army highlights how legalist principles were applied in governance, where strict hierarchies and enforcement were vital for state power.
• Discuss the significance of the discovery of the Terracotta Army in understanding Qin Shi Huang's rule and his approach to unifying China.
  • The discovery of the Terracotta Army is crucial for understanding Qin Shi Huang's rule as it provides insight into his ambitions for immortality and control over his empire. This massive burial site not only reflects his military prowess but also illustrates his desire to intimidate rivals even after death. By creating such an elaborate funerary complex, Qin Shi Huang aimed to solidify his legacy and demonstrate the extent of his power during a time when he successfully unified China.
• Evaluate how the Terracotta Army contributes to our understanding of ancient Chinese beliefs about life after death and governance during the Qin dynasty.
  • The Terracotta Army sheds light on ancient Chinese beliefs regarding life after death by showcasing how rulers sought to maintain their influence beyond mortality. This monumental creation demonstrates that individuals like Qin Shi Huang believed their power would continue in an afterlife, necessitating a display of force through their armies. Furthermore, it highlights how governance during this era was intertwined with spiritual beliefs, where legalism shaped both political structures and cultural practices surrounding death, illustrating a society that revered authority and military strength as fundamental elements for continuity in both life and beyond.

Related terms

Qin Shi Huang:

The first emperor of a unified China, who reigned from 221 to 210 BCE and is known for his significant reforms and the centralization of power.

Legalism:

A philosophical belief that emphasizes strict adherence to laws and governance through harsh punishments, instrumental during the Qin dynasty.

China's Warring States Period: A period prior to the Qin unification characterized by fragmentation, warfare among various states, and political instability that led to the rise of legalism.