Terracotta Army

Definition

The Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. This incredible archaeological find is significant for understanding the military organization, artistry, and beliefs in the afterlife during the Qin dynasty, which marked a pivotal period in China's unification.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near Xi'an, China, revealing one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.
2. It is estimated that there are around 8,000 soldiers, along with 670 horses and 130 chariots, each with unique facial features and expressions.
3. The army was constructed to accompany Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife and demonstrate his power and military strength even in death.
4. The creation of the Terracotta Army involved a large workforce of artisans and laborers, showcasing advanced techniques in pottery and sculpture during the Qin dynasty.
5. The discovery of the Terracotta Army has provided valuable insights into ancient Chinese society, including its military structure, artistic practices, and spiritual beliefs surrounding death.

Review Questions

• How does the Terracotta Army reflect the military organization and beliefs in the afterlife during the Qin dynasty?
  • The Terracotta Army serves as a remarkable representation of the military organization under Qin Shi Huang, showcasing thousands of soldiers arranged to protect him in the afterlife. Each figure reflects specific roles within the army, indicating a highly structured military hierarchy. Furthermore, this massive undertaking demonstrates the belief that a powerful ruler could maintain his authority and influence even after death through such elaborate preparations.
• Discuss the significance of the Terracotta Army's discovery in understanding the cultural and historical context of ancient China.
  • The discovery of the Terracotta Army has had a profound impact on our understanding of ancient Chinese culture and history. It highlights not only the artistic mastery and craftsmanship of the period but also provides insights into social organization, military strategies, and religious practices related to funerary rites. The sheer scale of this find indicates that Qin Shi Huang's reign was marked by significant resources allocated to both governance and beliefs about life after death.
• Evaluate how the Terracotta Army symbolizes Qin Shi Huang's legacy and its implications for China's unification during his reign.
  • The Terracotta Army symbolizes Qin Shi Huang's legacy as a powerful leader who centralized authority and unified China. It reflects his ambition to project strength not just in life but also in death, representing a ruler who sought to maintain control over his empire beyond mortality. This undertaking illustrates how Qin Shi Huang’s policies and practices laid the groundwork for a unified China, with cultural symbols like the Terracotta Army contributing to national identity and cohesion that influenced subsequent dynasties.

Related terms

Qin Shi Huang:

The first emperor of a unified China who ruled from 221 to 210 BCE, known for his centralization of power and extensive reforms.

Emperor's Tomb: The burial site of Qin Shi Huang located near Xi'an, which contains not only the Terracotta Army but also other artifacts reflecting the emperor's reign.

Silk Road:

An ancient trade route that connected China with the Mediterranean, facilitating cultural, commercial, and technological exchange.