Terracotta Army

Definition

The Terracotta Army is a vast collection of life-sized clay sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, these sculptures were created to accompany the emperor in the afterlife and reflect the military power and artistic achievements of ancient China during the Qin dynasty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Terracotta Army consists of over 8,000 soldiers, along with chariots and horses, all uniquely crafted with intricate details.
2. Each figure varies in height, uniform, and hairstyle, indicating rank and role within the army.
3. The site also includes thousands of non-military figures such as acrobats, musicians, and officials, showcasing the diversity of life during the Qin dynasty.
4. The discovery of the Terracotta Army has provided significant insights into ancient Chinese burial practices and military organization.
5. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, highlighting its cultural importance and historical significance.

Review Questions

• How does the Terracotta Army reflect the military organization and cultural values of ancient China during the Qin dynasty?
  • The Terracotta Army is a direct representation of the military structure and hierarchical organization prevalent during the Qin dynasty. Each soldier's unique features and varying heights indicate their ranks and roles within the army, showcasing a highly organized military system. Additionally, the inclusion of various figures reflects cultural values emphasizing loyalty, duty to the emperor, and beliefs about the afterlife, which were central to Qin Shi Huang's rule.
• Discuss the significance of funerary practices as demonstrated by the construction of the Terracotta Army in relation to ancient Chinese beliefs about death and the afterlife.
  • The construction of the Terracotta Army exemplifies ancient Chinese funerary practices that underscored the belief in an afterlife where earthly possessions could be used. The massive scale and intricate detailing of these figures highlight a cultural understanding that life continues beyond death. This reflects a commitment to honor significant leaders like Qin Shi Huang with grand tombs filled with artifacts intended for use in the next world, showcasing their beliefs about continuity between life and death.
• Evaluate the impact of discovering the Terracotta Army on our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization and its historical narrative.
  • The discovery of the Terracotta Army revolutionized our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization by providing a tangible connection to its past military, social, and artistic achievements. This find challenged previous perceptions about China's history by revealing advanced techniques in pottery production, as well as insight into hierarchical structures within society. Additionally, it illuminated how cultural beliefs influenced governance and societal organization during one of China's most formative periods, reshaping historical narratives around ancient China.

Related terms

Qin Shi Huang:

The first emperor of a unified China who ruled from 221 to 210 BCE and is known for his contributions to state formation and monumental projects, including the Great Wall.

Ancient Chinese Art: Art produced in China before the 20th century, characterized by its use of symbolic imagery, craftsmanship, and often serving religious or funerary purposes.

Funerary Practices: Customs and rituals associated with burial and honoring the dead, which in ancient China included elaborate tombs and objects intended to serve the deceased in the afterlife.